BAMAKO, Mali: In recent times, the frequency and intensity of violent attacks in northern Mali have surged, leaving communities gripped by fear and uncertainty. Following the completion of the first phase of the U.N. peacekeepers’ withdrawal, the region has witnessed a distressing escalation in violent incidents, resulting in over 150 deaths and displacing numerous civilians.
Militant groups have become increasingly brazen in their attacks, targeting both civilian and military entities. In a particularly harrowing incident, militants attacked a passenger boat, resulting in the tragic loss of 49 innocent lives. Additionally, rebel groups assaulted Malian army camps, leaving security personnel dead and wounded.
Fleeing Malians are now grappling with the looming specter of prolonged violence. Many residents, particularly in hard-hit areas like Timbuktu, are abandoning their homes, fearing for their safety and the lives of their children. The security situation has deteriorated significantly since the completion of the U.N. peacekeepers’ withdrawal, exacerbating the already strained security infrastructure.
Mali’s military junta, in power for over three years, is struggling to combat the escalating violence, especially in the vulnerable northern region. The situation has been further exacerbated by the apparent collapse of a 2015 peace agreement with ethnic Tuareg rebels, deepening the security crisis.
The ongoing withdrawal of the U.N. force, present in Mali since 2013, has created vulnerabilities in the country’s security architecture, providing opportunities for both jihadi groups and former rebels to escalate attacks and extend their control over more regions. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported a 15% increase in violent attacks compared to the same period last year, with an average of four attacks per day in Mali since the beginning of the year.
A recent attack on a major Malian army base by Tuareg rebels highlighted the fragility of the peace agreement and the challenges faced by the Malian government in maintaining security. The rebels, under the banner of the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD), have also claimed temporary control over parts of the Gao region, adding to the complexity of the security crisis.
Despite being a significant gold producer in Africa, Mali is ranked as one of the least developed nations globally. The violence has pushed over a third of Mali’s citizens into needing humanitarian aid, exacerbating an already dire situation. Many locals in violence-prone areas face a heart-wrenching choice between staying to safeguard their livelihoods or fleeing for safety.
The violence has forced thousands to flee, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Mauritania and Algeria. The situation has also caught the attention of the international community, with concerns about the effectiveness of the U.N. peacekeeping force (MINUSMA), which has been facing increasing risks and challenges.
As the U.N. peacekeepers continue their withdrawal from Mali, the country’s ability to counter militant groups is anticipated to diminish. The withdrawal is expected to exacerbate an already precarious security environment, impacting Mali’s economic, political, and social landscapes, potentially hindering the country’s intended political transition. The need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to restore stability and security in Mali has become more pressing than ever.
