Stories from Mali

Supporters of the political opposition in Mali are calling for the formation of a unified front. The movement aims to topple the ruling military council that has been in power since 2020.

Ruling authorities in Mali have hinted at direct and indirect French support for rebels in the country. Ruling authorities in Mali have suggested that France is providing both direct and indirect support to rebel groups. The statement indicates a shift in the political landscape regarding French involvement in the region. No specific details on the nature of the support were provided by the sources. The JNIM group has formed a circumstantial alliance with rebels from the National Liberation Front of Azawad. The alliance's longevity is uncertain due to conflicting priorities. JNIM has stated that establishing Sharia law is a primary objective, which may conflict with the goals of the Azawad rebels. The situation remains developing in Bamako.

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.