That Attack in Mali on Malian troops and Russian Mercenaries...

I was away and offline this weekend so only found out this morning through friends about this shellacking the Russian mercenaries and the Malian forces got. Here are some quick passing thoughts.

Reports call the Russian mercenaries involved in this battle 'Wagner Group'. Wagner Group no longer exists as an entity. In Russia, it was disbanded completely while its African operations-- which bring in huge amounts of resources and financial benefits-- have been rebranded and restructured as The Africa Corps (TAC).

As I have been saying for a long time, Wagner/TAC has had no real successes or victories in any of its African operations. Example one, In Mozambique, they failed so badly in the war in Cabo Delgado against ISIS-Mozambique terrorists, that they ran away with their tails between their legs (especially after some horrific execution of their men by the terrorists), after they were told to leave by Presiden Nyusi. There were also friendly fire incidents on Mozambique troops, adn the Russians were accused of racism. Example two, in the CAR, Wagner/TAC has been helping the government in that civil war protecting the government of Touadéra since 2018. There's been no victory and no end to the war. Meanwhile, Wagner/TAC has been dirty dealing with the rebels they are supposed to be fighting for access to resources. The CAR has become a quasi-Russian colony-- while some pro-Russian African leaders harp on about colonialism and colonial history, etc. in nothing but a negative light. (Universities are applying compulsory Russian language studies, and the Russian Orthodox Church has started a congregation there.) Also, there have been at least two massacres of civilians in Mali where Malians and Russian mercenaries were involved. So, why would anyone hire or get in bed with Wagner/TAC and the Russians with all the problems and trouble they bring?

Some of the countries that have hired Wagner/TAC have been put in positions of indebtedness. For example, President Traoré of Burkina Faso might have learned this the hard way. This might be an example of 'be careful what you wish for' with his rabid pro-Russia and pro-Putin stance and his anti-French and anti-West rhetoric. Traoré held off on having TAC mercenaries in his country until a few months ago when approximately two hundred TAC mercenaries showed up. Allegedly, some of these men will act as his Presidential Guard. (Coup plots against Traore have been discovered.) It's not unlikely that Traoré's new guard might be there to keep Russian influence on him and to act as a sort of Praetorian Guards (who in ancient Rome changed the Caesars from time to time). Traoré has accepted free wheat shipments from Putin, as well as arms... Never borrow or accept gifts from the Mafia. Traoré likely has no choice but to accept TAC mercenaries in his country at this point.

The fact it was Tuareg who carried out this attack on the Malians and TAC is interesting. There was a tacit peace between the Malian government led by President Go?ta and the Tuareg. Due to Wagner/TAC pressure, Go?ta, forced the UN troops out of Mali, and this sparked the Tuareg back into action. The Tuareg have been outspoken about their hatred of the Russians in Mali and what they are doing. The Tuareg wanted the UN troops to stay. So, while Mali was already struggling and fighting Islamist terrorists of various factions, they inadvertently added another enemy to the fight, i.e. the Tuareg, and it's the fault of the Russians. And voila, we have this devastating attack over the weekend by Tuareg on Russians and Malian troops. This problem is and was a Russian creation.

Again, why would anyone consider hiring TAC?

https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240729-russia-s-wagner-group-reports-casualties-in-intense-clash-with-tuareg-rebels-in-mali