[45391] Turmoil in Mali: Coordinated Wave of Rebel Attacks Endangers Military Junta Rule
Turmoil in Mali: A Combined Attack Threatens the Stability of the Regime
In recent days, Mali has been plunged into a severe security vortex after a coalition of forces including the FLA (Front for the Liberation of Azawad) and the terrorist organization Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated wave of attacks in major cities, including the capital Bamako, Kidal, Gao, and Sévaré. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the rebels numbered about 12,000 fighters and attempted to carry out a military coup. During the events, the Malian Minister of Defense, Sadio Camara, was killed in a suicide bombing.
The situation on the ground is described as chaotic and contradictory. While the Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Russian Africa Corps forces managed to thwart the coup while inflicting heavy casualties on the rebels, other sources present a grimmer picture. The FLA spokesperson told FRANCE 24 English that "the regime will fall" and called for a full Russian withdrawal. Also, TabZ - Alternative Media quoted opposition figures claiming that the ruling junta is close to collapse.
Battlegrounds, particularly the city of Ménaka, have changed hands. Geopolitics Watch, which is identified with narratives critical of Russia, reported that the Islamic State organization (ISSP) took control of Ménaka, making it the first city captured by ISIS in years. However, Two Majors, which is close to Russia, updated that the city has returned to the control of the government and Russian forces, and that the rebels retreated after issuing public statements.
An analysis by WarFront Witness indicates that the events constitute a severe blow to Moscow's image as a guarantor of security in Africa. The loss of life among the senior echelon and the need to withdraw from strategic hubs like Kidal raise questions regarding Russia's ability to protect economic interests in the country, including gold and lithium deposits.