MALI, August 2025: Russian Mercenaries and Kidnappings

MALI: August 2025

“Turning its back on the French for military assistance, Mali has secured the services of the Africa Corps, a band of Russian mercenaries, and has forged an alliance with fellow militaries running Burkina Faso and Niger, although the fight against the Jihadis is proving to be more arduous than expected. There are two main armed groups operating in and around Mali, the ISIL-affiliated Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), linked to al-Qaeda. Clashes with the military have continued unabated, including in central areas, where scores of people have been killed, and in parts that were previously untouched by violence, such as the western region of Kayes bordering Senegal, with greater economic importance. Although army compounds are the principal targets for the rebels seeking to gain the upper hand, three Indian nationals working at a cement factory were recently taken hostage, highlighting the operating risks for foreign investors.”

From our Country Reports and Economic Forecasts (CREF) on Mali.  In addition to three probability scenarios for regime-types over 18-month and five-year periods, eleven types of government intervention that could prove injurious to investors and business, there is data galore. Have a look when time permits. (https://www.prsgroup.com/explore-our-products/cref/)