Mali’s army and its Russian allies suffered heavy losses on Saturday while fighting separatists in the country’s north, according to a spokesman for the rebels. The military leaders who came to power in a 2020 coup have been trying to regain control of the country from separatists and jihadists, particularly in the northern region of Kidal, known for its pro-independence sentiment. The separatist armed groups, primarily Tuareg fighters, have gained control in Tinzaouatene and further south in Kidal, causing the Russian mercenaries and Malian armed forces to flee or surrender.
Reports indicate that at least 17 soldiers have died in the fighting, with numerous corpses shown in videos shared by the rebel spokesman. A local politician confirmed that the Malian army has retreated from the area, leaving the CSP rebels in control. There have also been casualties among the Russian Wagner fighters and soldiers, with dozens reportedly killed or taken prisoner. Despite the losses suffered by the Malian army and its allies, the military maintains that operations against the coalition of terrorists are ongoing, with five targets successfully dealt with.
The ongoing unrest in Mali has made it difficult to obtain accurate information on casualties and developments on the ground, with little information coming from independent sources in the conflict zones. The junta army has mainly been responsible for reporting on the situation, but their communication is often limited. An incident involving a helicopter crash in the area was reported as well, with the separatists claiming to have brought down the helicopter, while the army indicated it was due to technical difficulties. The recent fighting in Tinzaouaten escalated after the army announced control over In-Afarak, a strategic location in Kidal.
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by violence from jihadist and criminal groups, leading to a series of conflicts and instability in the region. The junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita assumed power in 2022 and shifted the country’s alliance from France to Russia. This change has sparked criticism and concern among international observers, particularly regarding Mali’s human rights record and the tactics employed by Russian mercenaries in the conflict. Separatist groups have accused the Malian army and its allies of committing atrocities against civilians, but these claims have been denied by the authorities. The situation in Mali remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and unrest in the northern region.
