NIAMEY: Tensions are escalating in Mali as the country’s army launched a high-risk operation to approach a northern separatist rebel stronghold. The move could potentially mark a significant turning point after a decade of conflict, raising concerns about a widescale confrontation.
A substantial Malian army convoy set out from the city of Gao, heading towards the northern Kidal region. The troops’ main objective is to take over camps being vacated by departing soldiers of the UN stabilization force, MINUSMA, in localities such as Tessalit and Aguelhok north of the town of Kidal. The UN mission has been compelled to withdraw by the ruling junta, leading to a recent resumption of hostilities by the separatists, who demand that UN sites be returned to them.
The Kidal region, historically at the center of Tuareg separatist rebellions, is a critical area. It is more than 1,500 kilometers from the capital Bamako and serves as a crucial stopover between Mali and Algeria. The town of Kidal, still controlled by rebels, remains a source of irritation for the junta, which seeks to re-establish state control across the country.
Challenges for Mali’s Armed Forces
The Malian army, supported over the years by various international forces, faces challenges in terms of resources. Despite assistance from French, European, and Russian military, their strategic problem lies in their limited resources. The presence of several hundred members of Russia’s private paramilitary Wagner group in Mali has provided impetus for the junta to take on the rebels, although it might not be sufficient to counter the existing militant insurgency.
The Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), an alliance of predominantly Tuareg groups, is leading the separatist forces. Accurate data on CMA’s ranks is scarce due to misinformation and hidden weapons caches. The group’s resilience stems from its asymmetrical war strategy, aided by the vast terrain under their control.
Observers note informal ties between the separatists and militant groups. While the groups have distinct objectives, there is a degree of fluidity, reflecting the complex social and tribal dynamics in the region.
