Stories from Mali

Jihadist groups are tightening their control around the capital of Mali. Attacks were carried out in Bamako by jihadist groups and separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that Moscow will continue its fight against extremism and provide assistance to the current authorities. This follows demands from the FLA for Russian forces to withdraw from the region. The incident involved two men on a scooter throwing acid at the face of human rights defender André Lumet. The attack occurred in public and has heightened political tensions in Mali. Four soldiers were charged on Wednesday for their involvement in an acid attack against a human rights NGO coordinator in Bamako. The attack occurred last March when two men on a scooter stopped to throw acid in the street.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group Jumneen has enclosed several routes into the Marlion capital, Obamaco. The blockade follows coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatists over the weekend. Organizers have described the move as illegal.

The Malian diaspora is being called upon to transition from being the country's primary financier to a source of direct investment. Speakers at a Monday evening gathering noted that while the diaspora provides financial support, it does not currently translate into investment.

Independentist rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front stated they do not intend to limit their operations to Qidal. The group's leadership confirmed their intent to continue activities in other areas. The source reported this in the context of the ongoing regional situation.

EFLA spokesperson Mohamed El-Mahoudlou de Ramadan stated that members were surrounded and requested a secure corridor to facilitate their withdrawal. Escorted personnel have reached Anaphyf and are awaiting colleagues from Gao and Gao-Lao.

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMAs) are conducting continuous and coordinated reconnaissance, surveillance, and neutralization missions against terrorist threats. These operations are targeting strategic axes in the Mopti and Segu regions.

A driver reported that vehicles are being stopped near Cerébougou, preventing travel toward Bamako. The blockade includes cars, heavy vehicles, and trucks transporting charcoal. Passengers are reportedly dispersed in the nearby forest and lack access to drinking water.

Two distinct groups, an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist faction and a separatist movement seeking independence for northern Mali under the name Azawad, are forming an unexpected alliance. Armed groups have seized several cities in Mali, either entirely or partially, according to reports from Bamako. Fighting continues in various parts of the country outside the capital. Attacks were also carried out near Bamako in the suburb of Kati. The source noted that the Minister of Defense was present during incidents in Kati. Coordinated attacks by these groups have successfully captured one city entirely and partially occupied others. Military forces are engaged in combat against these groups in the affected areas. Mali remains a conflict zone involving groups connected to al-Qaeda with Islamist-jihadist orientations. The groups are reportedly willing to grant independence to the Tuareg people.

A Russian military failure has impacted Moscow's credibility regarding its security-for-political-support deals with African regimes. Thierry Virkulon noted that the failure undermines these arrangements.

Malian armed forces and Russian forces conducted attacks on enemy positions in Igot, according to reports. The Lazawa Liberation Front stated that no casualties were reported from their side.