New satellite imagery reveals renewed Russian construction at a military base previously used by the Wagner Group at the Modibo Keita International Airport, Mali. The images present the first detailed visuals of the site since the August 2023 death of the Wagner Group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Since Prigozhin’s death, the Russian Defense Ministry has absorbed Wagner Group’s functions, and the leftover elements of the organization are reportedly being run as Russia’s “Expeditionary Corps.” This spurred speculations about the future of Russian military presence and influence in Africa, given the pivotal role the Wagner Group fulfilled by backing aligned regimes across the continent.
The construction images suggest Russia remains committed to maintaining its military presence in Mali. In recent months, the construction has facilitated the completion of new roads and buildings, ground clearing, and the initiation of excavations in two locations. The images also showed the detailed development of what Janes, a defense intelligence agency, believes to be a possible new administrative building and a covered storage zone.
Compared to a few vehicles in July, over 40 vehicles of different sizes are now located at the site, indicating a considerable increase in activity. Moreover, Russia appears to be aiming to increase its presence in Africa further, as evidenced by recruitment advertisements for Russia’s Africa Corps appearing in recent months on Telegram. The ads offer “high payments, free medical care,” and “service under the competent commanders’ leadership,” signifying Russia’s expanding relations with numerous Sahel region regimes where it seeks to fill areas of declining Western influence.
