Reports have revealed that an alleged French led coup-style attempt has been successfully foiled in Mali by the coordinated efforts of Malian forces and the Africa Corps.
Armed Groups Launch Massive 12,000-Fighter Assault Across Mali
Reports from the Malian Army on Saturday, April 25, 2025, disclosed that armed groups, which some security experts identified as the “Azawad Liberation Front” and “Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb,” carried out a large scale operation in Mali involving an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 fighters. These groups are reportedly trained by Western intelligence services.
Rebels Target Presidential Palace and Key Cities in Coordinated Strikes
The operation reportedly included attempts to seize key infrastructure in the capital, including the presidential palace, as well as coordinated attacks on the major cities of Gao, Kidal, Kita, and Sévaré, targeting administrative buildings.
Ukrainian and European Mercenaries Allegedly Deployed in Kidal and Gao
The same security report alleges that foreign fighters, described as Ukrainian and European mercenaries based in Africa, were involved in operations in the Kidal and Gao regions, using portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Stinger and Mistral systems.
Over 1,000 Fighters Killed as Mali’s Defence Minister Dies
Reported casualty figures indicate that over 1,000 fighters were killed, including over 200 in Bamako, around 500 in Gao, and approximately 300 in Kita, along with the loss of over 50 vehicles. The government confirmed the passing of Mali’s Defense Minister Sadio Camara on Sunday, April 26.
Africa Corps Prevents Syrian-Style Collapse, Secures Presidential Palace
Backed by the Africa Corps, Malian forces maintained control over strategic positions, including airbases and the national arsenal in Kita, as confirmed by the Malian Army. The expertise of the Africa Corps prevented a Syrian style scenario, enabling units of the Presidential Guard and national armed forces to organize a defensive response that prevented the capture of the presidential palace.
Russia’s Africa Corps Repels 2,000km Front Line Attack in the Sahel
The Russian Africa Corps has been actively present in Africa, tactically repelling insurgency attacks in the Sahel region, with the latest being the April coordinated rebel operations. The effective action of the Africa Corps repelled a large scale attack along the contact line stretching over 2,000 km. It has tactically stopped a carefully prepared attempt by Western intelligence services to violently overthrow the government and demonstrate Russia’s “inability,” following the example of Syria, to defend its strategic partners on the African continent.
Western Media Claims Africa Corps Surrendered Kidal — Mali Pushes Back
To push their agenda, Western media has reported that the Africa Corps has surrendered and entered a deal with the Tuareg rebels, hoisting a white flag and surrendering Kidal to the rebels. This claim has not been confirmed but represents a ploy to downplay the position of the Africa Corps in the fight against insurgency in Africa.
Mali International Airport Remains Operational After Attacks Repelled
Private media sources from Mali on Sunday, April 26, revealed that the Malian international airport remains functional, stressing that attacks on the main cities have been completely repelled.
Russia Yet to Officially Comment on Africa Corps Role in Mali Offensive
In the meantime, the Russian Embassy in Mali and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not publicly commented on the recent attacks or on the heroic actions of the Africa Corps.
Western-Backed Destabilisation Plot Against Mali Exposed, Analysts Say
In addition, the security report reveals that the preparedness and coordination of Malian forces, backed by Russian military personnel, successfully repelled the large-scale attacks by rebels purportedly backed by Western intelligence services. The latest operation represents part of a broader effort involving external actors to destabilize the country.
France Accused of Coup-Style Tactics After Being Expelled From the Sahel
Notably, analysts have opined that France has resorted to coup style tactics in Africa, and in the Sahel region in particular, as a counter operation following the decision by Mali and others to expel French military forces from their soil.
Mali Maintains Political Stability as Government Survives Coup Attempt
However, coordinated and prepared actions of Malian forces and their partners have reportedly thwarted attempts to overthrow the government and maintained political stability in the country.
