In Mali, the jihadist group JNIM claimed responsibility for an ambush on March 9th against a convoy of the Malian army and their Russian partners from the Africa Corps near Nampala, situated in the Ségou region near the Mauritanian border. Although JNIM did not provide specific casualty figures, multiple sources contacted by RFI confirmed approximately ten fatalities. This incident follows closely on the heels of the reported execution of seven individuals by the Malian army and the Africa Corps in the same area days prior.

The ambush occurred near the village of Louguel, southwest of Nampala. While JNIM's claim did not include exact numbers, various local sources, including a Malian security source, reported that at least eleven soldiers were killed, among them several Russian fighters from the Africa Corps. The death toll may be higher, according to some reports. The Malian army has remained silent regarding this attack, not disclosing any official comments or figures.

This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in the region due to persistent jihadist activity and further strains the relationship between the Malian government and its military partnership with Russia. The presence of Russian soldiers in conflicts within Mali is controversial, and incidents like these may complicate the efforts to stabilize the region while continuing fears of violence against both military personnel and civilians.