Experts say the deliveries signify that the Kremlin is doubling down on its support for Mali’s ruling junta, which has been rocked by the success of a rebel offensive led by the Jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists. The advance has seized large swathes of territory in the north.
The Kremlin has backed the Mali military government since French forces withdrew from the country in 2022, receiving cash payments and preferential access to mines and gold deposits in return. At first the Russian mercenary group Wagner was deployed, but its operations have since been taken over by Africa Corps, which falls under Russia’s defence ministry.
While BBC Verify has previously confirmed footage showing the unit carrying out air strikes against the rebel forces, the Africa Corps has struggled to halt their advance across the north of the country.
But Charlie Werb, an analyst with Aldebaran Threat Consultants, said the new shipment could help Malian and Russian forces to build up enough strength to launch offensives into areas which have fallen to the rebels.
The Mikhail Britnev was sanctioned by the US in 2024. Tracking data shows it switched off its transponder after passing through the Channel two weeks ago, and only reappeared when preparing to dock in Togo.
It was carrying a variety of military vehicles – including general purpose trucks, BTR-style armoured personnel carriers and light-infantry vehicles – according to experts who analysed satellite photos taken before it left Baltiysk port.
According to Malian state TV, the vehicles were then transported across Togo and through Burkina Faso – which is also ruled by a military junta backed by Moscow. The government in Togo has been deepening ties with the Kremlin and signed a military cooperation agreement with Moscow late last year.
