Critical Threats published on 5 July 2023 a commentary titled "Salafi-Jihadi Movement Update Special Edition: Wagner Will Remain in Africa" by Karolina Hird and Liam Karr.
The authors conclude that Russia has every intention of continuing Wagner Group operations in Africa, although it is not clear if the organization will engage independently or be placed under the Ministry of Defense. In Mali, jihadi activity increased after the arrival of the Wagner Group and is likely to expand again following the imminent departure of the UN peacekeeping force.
