Russian Africa Corps and Malian Army Leave Last Northern Base

So, is this a good thing or a bad thing? On one hand, less Russian presence, on the other, 'last northern base' sounds like they're consolidating elsewhere, not leaving the region entirely. Probably just repositioning their assets.

This is pretty significant. Kidal was a major stronghold for Tuareg rebels and a key strategic point. Pulling out means either a tactical retreat to more defensible positions, or a recognition that their current strategy isn't working up north. Or maybe they just ran out of chai.

They'll just pop up somewhere else with a new name. 'African Friendship Brigade' or something equally transparent.