russian Presence in Mali Has Provoked a Humanitarian Disaster

Mali is facing a worsening fuel crisis that is paralyzing key spheres of life, from food supplies to schools. The supply of petroleum products has been blocked by armed groups in response to the military junta’s policy of selectively directing resources to loyal regions. In his speech, MP Aliou Tounkara, known for his pro-russian rhetoric, blamed France, the USA, and “perhaps even Ukraine” for the crisis.

The military came to power after the 2021 coup. In 2022, at the junta’s request, French troops fighting jihadists in the region left the country. The following year, the UN also ended its mission.

The regime handed over security functions to russian mercenaries. At first, it was the criminal group “Wagner”, now it is the “African Corps”, subordinate to the ministry of defense of the rf. However, their presence did not lead to stabilization: the mercenaries’ interests are focused more on semi-legal gold mining than on fighting terrorist groups.

russian advisers are actively promoting a model of governance in the region that replicates moscow’s authoritarian practices. In May this year, authorities of Mali decided to dissolve all political parties, effectively destroying the prospects for democratic elections. A similar course is being observed in the neighbouring Sahel states – Burkina Faso and Niger, where the military, which carried out coups, are also in power.

According to estimates by international organizations, about six million people in Mali need humanitarian aid. Observers warn that the regime is losing control and that russian support is proving unable to change the situation.