Russia's Africa Corps

Force in Play

Positioned at Anefis; escorted 800+ tanker fuel convoy into Bamako on May 1 under helicopter cover; denied JNIM's claim of seizing Hombori, stating it resupplied Malian troops there and evacuated wounded by helicopter; continuing operations in northern Mali

President Assimi Goïta assumed the defence portfolio on May 4 by presidential decree, 11 days after FLA rebels and JNIM militants struck five Malian cities on April 25, 2026. His predecessor Sadio Camara was killed in a car-bomb assassination a week earlier; Goïta named Army Chief of Staff General Oumar Diarra as minister delegate.

Updated May 31

Force in Play

Deployed in Niger since April 2024

Armed men on motorcycles attacked Niger's main airport and military air base outside Niamey on January 29, 2026, triggering a firefight that left 20 attackers dead and 4 security personnel wounded. Military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assault, but the Islamic State – Sahel Province claimed responsibility through its Amaq News Agency, and Benin rejected the junta's allegations.

Updated May 26