Malian government troops and Russian Africa Corps mercenaries have begun a withdrawal from the northern city of Kidal. This move comes after two days of heavy fighting with separatist forces. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg group, now claims full administrative control of the city. The withdrawal was part of a negotiated agreement between the FLA and the Russian forces.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, an FLA spokesperson, confirmed the handover of power. He stated that an agreement was reached for the secure exit of the Russian Africa Corps from Kidal. The FLA declared Kidal to be "free." Witnesses reported that Russian mercenaries were involved in earlier fighting near their Bamako airport base. The FLA reportedly demanded the Russians surrender their weapons before leaving Kidal, an action seen as damaging to their local standing.
This loss of Kidal is a significant setback for Mali's ruling military junta. Government forces had recaptured Kidal in late 2023 with substantial assistance from Russian mercenaries. The recent escalation shows increased cooperation among armed groups. The Tuareg separatists collaborated with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group linked to al-Qaeda. Ramadane highlighted this new alliance in his statements. "This operation is being carried out in partnership with the JNIM," he said.
The offensive included simultaneous attacks on military sites in Kati, Gao, Sevare, and Mopti. An FLA commander stated the group had planned the offensive for months. Their stated aim is to control Gao next, followed by Timbuktu. These coordinated attacks represent a substantial challenge to the junta's authority.
Adding to the crisis, Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara is reportedly dead. Family members and French media reported his death in a car bomb attack in Kati. The explosion also killed at least three of his family members. The military junta has not officially confirmed his death but acknowledged the ongoing violence. A government statement vowed retaliation for the attacks. The government has declared a nationwide alert and increased patrols and checkpoints.
The widespread instability has drawn international condemnation. Concerns are rising for the security of the Sahel region. State broadcaster ORTM reported 16 people injured in the attacks. The Malian army claimed the situation was controlled and that attackers suffered heavy losses. They reported killing "several hundred" assailants in Bamako.
Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, described the attacks as the "largest coordinated jihadist attack on Mali for years." He noted that the attacks are a major blow to Russia. The mercenaries lacked intelligence about the assaults and could not protect key cities. Laessing added that the mercenaries worsened the conflict by failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants.
International bodies have reacted quickly. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "acts of violence." The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also condemned the actions. ECOWAS stated the acts show the "barbaric nature of the perpetrators." They called for a unified regional effort to combat the threat. The African Union (AU) voiced alarm over the attacks. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed "deep concern" and condemned the violence. He reaffirmed the AU's commitment to peace and security in Africa.
The economic impact on Mali includes disruption to trade and potential damage to infrastructure. The instability could deter foreign investment. This could affect future economic growth and job creation. The country already faces significant economic challenges and relies heavily on foreign aid and partnerships.