Russian forces fighting in Mali have failed to break the country free from a stifling fuel blockade and attacks waged by suspected jihadists, as the wider Sahel region becomes further mired in conflict.

After turning its back on former colonial power France, Mali's junta government in 2021 pivoted to Russia and its notorious Wagner paramilitary group, which became the Africa Corps in June.

Under the direct control of the Russian defence ministry, the Africa Corps' soldiers are tasked with battling the jihadists, who have recently increased attacks in the country's south and west.

While the Wagner Group delivered victories for the Malian army in the north in 2023 with the recapture of key strongholds from suspected jihadists and Tuareg separatists, the wins were not enough to improve ove

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