Stories from Mali

Mercenaries operating in Kidal reportedly negotiated directly with the enemy and abandoned Malian soldiers to Tuareg forces. The attack on Kati, previously considered more secure than Bamako, resulted in the death of the Minister of Defence in his home.

The Mali military has announced a blockade of Catti. Witnesses on the road have reported being unable to cross. There is ongoing discussion regarding whether the military will negotiate to reopen Bamako.

Violence in Mali has continued to increase following the end of the UN Minusma mission in 2023. The blockade around Bamako has caused an oil crisis throughout the capital city. The source noted the government has previously attempted to negotiate different ways to ease the situation. The impact of the blockade depends on how the government and regime react. Mali's military leader Colonel Assimi Goïta has announced a blockade of the town of Catti. Goïta stated that attackers will be neutralized. Former government advisor Musa Kondo of the Sahel Institute noted the military has demonstrated the ability to mobilize fighters in the field. Witnesses on the road have reported being unable to cross due to the blockade. A joint force consisting of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso is conducting operations, though security in Kikedal remains unassured.

The military government of Niger announced that a joint force comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali is conducting intense airstrikes in Mali. At least 20 people were killed during two days of fighting. Militants have seized control of the northern town of Kidal and attacked two central regions. Coordinated attacks by jihadist groups and Tuareg fighters from the FLA destabilized the Malian state over the weekend. The Nigerien government stated the operation began just hours after the groups seized these locations. The report also noted rising fertilizer prices affecting food security and social stability. Malian leader General Assimi Goïta had previously praised support from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Russia, though a joint operation had not been explicitly announced until now.

A spokesperson for the Azawad separatist movement, speaking from Paris, has called on Russia to withdraw its Africa Corps forces from Mali. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow will continue to combat extremism and other negative manifestations in Mali. The announcement follows recent exhortations from the Azawad Liberation Front. The statement was reported by the African news agency Lapa. In the past, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have united against terrorism. The current response of these nations to the situation is uncertain. Governments are also heavily relying on external support. However, Russian forces are also observed to be withdrawing from various locations within Mali. The effectiveness of their contribution to stability is questioned. France plans to withdraw 5,000 soldiers deployed in Mali and the Sahel region.

The French Foreign Ministry has announced its solidarity with the people of Mali following prolonged suffering.

A Malian delegation is preparing to travel to Moscow to rebuild trust and accelerate the arrival of new military equipment to Mali. The mission also aims to discuss reorganizing troops to address urgent situations on the ground. This follows a new blockade decreed by jihadist groups. This move follows recent rebel advances in areas previously held by Russian forces. This move follows the recent abandonment of the locality of Qidal by Wagner Group mercenaries, which facilitated the takeover of the area by rebels. The situation on the ground has reportedly influenced this diplomatic effort. The visit aims to address troop reorganization for emergency responses and ongoing attacks against Malian army positions. The trip is intended to request additional soldiers and more resources for defense.

The JNIM Islamist militia issued a warning on Wednesday that no one would be allowed into the Malian capital, Bamako. Eyewitnesses reported that road traffic had thinned and hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the outskirts of the city.

The Al Qaeda-affiliated group JNIM issued an online statement urging political parties, armed forces, separatist groups, and traditional leaders to unite against the Malian military government. This call for action follows a series of attacks by jihadists and separatists last weekend. The group's statement comes as a tightening blockade around the capital, Bamako, continues. On Wednesday, the group warned that no one would be allowed into the city. Eyewitnesses report that road traffic has thinned and hundreds of vehicles are stranded on the outskirts of Bamako. The strength of the Malian government remains uncertain. The jihadist group JNIM has called for African nations to unite to overthrow the military government in Mali. This follows large-scale attacks carried out by the group earlier this week.

Malian military forces have reinforced their presence in affected areas to conduct search, intelligence, and security operations. President Goita called for national unity and urged the population to avoid spreading rumors to prevent panic.