Alleged Coup Attempt in Mali Repelled – Russian “African Corps”
A Russian military-linked formation, known as the “African Corps,” has claimed it helped foil what it described as a large-scale coup attempt in Mali in the early hours of April 25, 2026.
The account, circulated via affiliated channels, alleges coordinated attacks on key government installations in the capital, Bamako, and several northern and central cities.
According to the statement attributed to the Russian Ministry of Defence’s African Corps, armed groups identified as the “Azawad Liberation Front” and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb launched assaults beginning around 5:30 a.m.
Targets reportedly included the presidential palace in Bamako and administrative centres in Gao, Kidal, Kati, and Sévaré.
The statement further alleged that between 10,000 and 12,000 fighters were involved, describing the operation as an attempted seizure of power.
It also claimed the participation of foreign mercenaries, including individuals described as Ukrainian and European, and the use of Western-supplied weapons such as Stinger and Mistral air defence systems.
No independent verification of these claims has emerged, and there has been no immediate confirmation from Malian authorities or international observers.
The Russian account accused Western intelligence services of backing the operation, an allegation that could not be substantiated.
Mali has faced prolonged instability since a series of coups in recent years, alongside a persistent insurgency by jihadist groups operating across the Sahel region.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, one of the groups named in the statement, has long been active in northern Mali and neighbouring countries.
The Russian statement credited its “African Corps” forces with securing strategic assets, including airfields and a national arsenal in Kati, and coordinating with Malian troops and the presidential guard to prevent the alleged takeover. I
t also reported heavy militant casualties, claiming more than 1,000 fighters were killed across multiple locations.
However, such figures remain unverified and are often difficult to confirm in conflict zones.
There has been no official communication from the Russian embassy in Mali or the country’s foreign ministry at the time of filing this report, a point the statement itself highlighted with apparent concern.
The situation in Mali remains fluid, with security conditions described as tense. The Russian account acknowledged casualties among its personnel, though it did not provide specific figures.
Analysts note that information emerging from conflict zones, particularly during active operations, is frequently contested and should be treated with caution until independently corroborated.
Malian authorities are yet to issue a formal response regarding the alleged events.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
