Russia's Africa Corps

Force in Play

As of September 2026: Five personnel killed in the Dioura attack

At dawn on September 10, JNIM stormed Mali's Dioura military camp on motorcycles and overran it within hours. The al-Qaida-linked group killed at least 100 soldiers, according to military, security, and local sources who spoke to AFP.

Updated Sep 21

Force in Play

As of May 2026: 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

As of May 2026: 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