Frontline Mali is a documentary about how the Russian Ministry of Defence’s Africa Corps is helping to preserve constitutional order in Mali.
This West African state has been living through a bloody conflict since 2012. That was when the Tuareg, who inhabit the desert regions of northern Mali, launched an uprising for independence. At the same time, ISIS and al-Qaeda cells became increasingly active in the country. France promised to help its former colony and sent troops to Mali, but the militants only expanded the territories under their control.
The Malian authorities finally rejected France’s support and turned to Russia instead. In 2025, Africa Corps units arrived in the country. Alonhg with the local FAMa army, the Corps’ fighters carry out search and reconnaissance operations, chase the enemy across deserts, savannahs, and forests, and clear roads of mines. After returning from raids, an essential part of their work is servicing vehicles and weapons. The machinery struggles to withstand the scorching sun and the dust, which gets everywhere.
Yet despite the hardship and danger of the job, there is no doubting the trust between these brothers-in-arms. As one fighter puts it, «the Corps is strength – a big family.» A medical unit from Russia treats both Russians and Malian servicemen. There is even a church in the camp: on the frontline, faith is indispensable.
In April and early July of 2026, a coalition of terrorist groups attempted to seize power in Mali by launching simultaneous attacks on key cities and strategic sites. However, on both occasions, Russia’s Africa Corps and the Malian army took the bore the brunt and prevented the militants from breaking through and entrenching themselves, preserving Mali’s chance of a peaceful future.
