Footage shared on social media reveals a large convoy of Russian-made armored vehicles moving through Mali.
Initially, this appeared to be a "luxury" gift from the Kremlin to its ally in Africa, especially as Russian forces in Ukraine reportedly resort to using less advanced "jihad mobiles" in their battles.
Later, the bmpd blog from the Russian Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies clarified that the convoy belongs to the Africa Corps of the Russian Defense Ministry.
It includes seven T-72B3 tanks, five BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, and over 50 other armored vehicles, far more than previously reported.
The term "Africa Corps" refers to units of the Wagner Group private military company operating in Africa under the Russian Defense Ministry’s supervision.
Their presence is not limited to Mali; they also operate in other nations, including Libya.
The size of this convoy is striking, as it rivals or exceeds the equipment inventory of Mali’s armed forces.
According to The Military Balance 2024, Mali’s military assets at the start of 2023 included two PT-76 amphibious light tanks, five BRDM-2 armored scout cars, 63 armored personnel carriers of various types, 274 wheeled armored vehicles, and over 30 D-30 howitzers and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers
According to the Defense Express, sending these tanks and armored vehicles to Mali might seem rational for Moscow. These resources, if deployed in Ukraine, could be lost within a few days of intense fighting. Instead, using them in Mali secures Russia's political influence in Africa and ensures operational superiority in the region.
The exact number of Russian troops and equipment currently in Mali remains unclear.
