Russian Mercenaries to Exit Mali City Following Attacks

After two days of intense fighting, Russian-backed forces stationed in Mali’s northern city of Kidal have reportedly withdrawn, according to the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a separatist group seeking an independent Tuareg state. The FLA asserted control over the city, which had previously been a stronghold for the movement before being recaptured by Malian troops with assistance from the mercenaries in late 2023.

Coordinated Assaults Across the Nation

On Saturday, multiple attacks were launched by armed factions across Mali, including its capital, Bamako. The FLA, alongside other groups, participated in these coordinated strikes, which resulted in the death of Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara, as confirmed by his family and French media outlets. The assault targeted several regions, with reports of violence in Kati, a key military base near Bamako, and in Gao, Kidal, Sevare, and Mopti.

“The incident marks the most significant coordinated jihadist strike on Mali in recent years,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

While the FLA focused on northern cities, the Islamist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) executed simultaneous attacks in various locations. A FLA field commander, speaking to the BBC on Saturday, revealed the group had been planning the offensive for months, stating, “Our main goal now is to control Gao, and Timbuktu will be easy to fall.”

Security Measures and Casualties

State broadcaster ORTM reported that 16 individuals, including civilians and soldiers, were injured during the attacks, which caused “limited damage.” The agency also noted several “terrorists” were neutralized, claiming the situation is “completely under control” in affected zones. Meanwhile, clashes between the FLA and Malian forces resumed in Kidal on Sunday, leading to an agreement for the secure withdrawal of Russian mercenaries.

On Sunday, the FLA announced it was escorting the mercenaries out of Kidal, a move that followed a morning social media post by spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane. “Elements of the Malian army and Russian mercenaries remain in the city,” he stated, emphasizing that Kidal had not fully fallen during the attacks.

International Response and Context

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks as “acts of violence” and expressed solidarity with the Malian people. Similarly, the West African regional bloc Ecowas criticized the assaults, though Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had exited the group after coups. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chair of the African Union Commission, shared “deep concern” over the ongoing instability.

Mali is currently under military rule led by General Assimi Goïta, who took power in 2020. The junta initially enjoyed public backing, vowing to address security issues driven by Tuareg rebellions and subsequent Islamist insurgencies. Despite their efforts, the country continues to grapple with persistent threats from groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates.

Following the attacks, Mali’s government reiterated that the violence would “not go unanswered,” implementing a nationwide alert. Enhanced patrols, reinforced checkpoints, and curfews were introduced in some areas, including a nightly restriction in Bamako from 21:00 to 06:00 local time, set to conclude on Monday.