Mali has become a focal point of conflict in West Africa, dealing with the rise of extremism in the Sahel region. Recently, refugees from Mali reported the emergence of a new Russian military unit called the Africa Corps, which has replaced the Wagner mercenary group. This transition occurred after Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was killed in a plane crash in 2023. The Africa Corps is accused of severe abuses, including rape and beheading of civilians, which aligns with tactics previously used by Wagner. Many refugees shared harrowing accounts of their experiences, detailing a 'scorched-earth policy' implemented by the unit, characterized by random killings and village burnings. The involvement of the Africa Corps has been troubling as the Malian army collaborates with these Russian forces, leading to further violence against civilians caught in the crossfire between militant groups and military operations. Despite the gruesome scenarios described by refugees, Malian authorities have yet to publicly acknowledge the presence of Wagner or the newly formed Africa Corps. Russian state media have, however, issued reports praising the unit for its role in countering terrorism in Mali, asserting that its deployment is at the request of the Malian government. Reports indicate that some personnel within the Africa Corps are not exclusively Russian, as refugees reported encountering foreign-speaking Black individuals among the fighters. Due to the limited access for journalists and aid organizations in Mali, it remains extremely challenging to ascertain the full extent of violence and abuses being perpetrated. Amidst these allegations, legal experts argue that this shift from Wagner to an organized unit embedded within Russia's Ministry of Defense renders the Russian state liable for the actions of the Africa Corps. As such, there are significant implications for international accountability, raising questions about the role of country’s military engagements abroad, particularly in areas suffering from instability and civil strife. Yet, the cycle of violence continues, and civilians find themselves trapped, urged to remain silent due to fears of both Russian military reprisals and jihadist retaliation. The situation in Mali illustrates the complexities of modern warfare, where civilians often bear the brunt of military tactics that blur the lines between combatants and non-combatants. The persistence of such strategies poses serious challenges not only for the survival of the affected populations but also for broader regional stability in West Africa, which has become increasingly volatile in recent years.