Togo and Libya mediate release of two former Wagner mercenaries

Two former Wagner Group mercenaries, captured in July 2024 during the Battle of Tinzawaten in northern Mali, were released on August 20 by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The release follows a period of detention by a coalition including the FLA and the JNIM jihadist group.

The mediation involved significant diplomatic efforts from Togo and Libya. Togo, under President Faure Gnassingbé, acted as a key interlocutor, having previously facilitated the release of 82 Malian soldiers in August. In addition to the Russian captives, Togo has reportedly advocated for the release of Inkinane Ag Attaher, an influential FLA commander currently held by Nigerien authorities.

On the Libyan side, Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, played a decisive role in the negotiations. Africa Corps, the Russian-controlled successor to Wagner, credited Haftar’s active support for the outcome. Following their release, the two Russian nationals traveled through Benghazi before arriving in Libya.