The northern Malian region of Tinzaouaten, known for its gold mines and uranium deposits, became the scene of fierce fighting in late July — a sign that the Russia-Ukraine war is reverberating in the Sahara Desert. Ukrainian intelligence was suspected of helping rebels fighting Russian-backed government forces, and the hostilities grew even more intriguing with the reported use against the rebels of a Turkish-made drone.

Over the past three years, Moscow has used its mercenary Wagner Group to extend its influence to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger amid rising Islamic State and al-Qaeda activity in West Africa and a weakening US and French presence in the region.

In September 2023, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — all ruled by Moscow-friendly military juntas — created the Alliance of Sahel States, a security pact that widened the rift between the three states and the Economic Community of West African States, which is backed by France and the United States. The pact, encouraged by Moscow, came as a clear sign that a new front has opened in the influence war between Russia and the West. 

Wagner’s expansion in West Africa