Following years of deep-seated instability and successive coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has been thrust back into a violent armed struggle with potentially far-reaching consequences. On Saturday, April 25, a massive and synchronized offensive was launched by Tuareg rebels from the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA) alongside the Al-Qaeda-linked Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (JNIM). The attacks targeted seven key urban centers, including the capital Bamako and its neighbor Kati, central hubs like Konna, Mopti, and Sévaré, and the northern strongholds of Gao and Kidal.

The strategic northern city of Kidal has reportedly fallen entirely under insurgent control after a fierce assault. Attackers utilized a sophisticated array of tactics, including kamikaze drones, car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and direct ground assaults. Reports indicate the violence began early Saturday morning, with the JNIM and the FLA—a successor to the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA)—claiming responsibility for strikes against the presidential residence, the Ministry of Defense, and Modibo Keita International Airport.

Government response and the fall of Kidal

In an official statement, the transitional government described the maneuvers as “complex and coordinated,” reporting at least 16 casualties among soldiers and civilians. Despite claims that the situation was “under control,” a 72-hour curfew was imposed on Bamako, and the international airport remained shut. Oumar Diarra, the Chief of General Staff, attributed the violence to a destabilization plot involving both domestic and foreign elements. While the military claims to have neutralized over 200 militants, Diarra admitted to a “tactical redeployment” near Kidal, shifting forces toward Anefis while attempting to maintain a presence in the region.

Simultaneously, the Africa Corps—the Russian paramilitary unit that succeeded the Wagner Group—confirmed its withdrawal from Kidal. The group stated that the retreat was a mutual decision made with the Malian authorities to evacuate wounded personnel and heavy equipment. Interestingly, the FLA rebels claimed they had reached an agreement with Russian forces to allow their safe departure from the combat zone. However, the Africa Corps later alleged they had thwarted a coup attempt supported by Ukrainian and European intelligence, claiming to have killed over 1,000 insurgents across various fronts.

High-ranking casualties and political shifts

The offensive has struck a devastating blow to the junta’s leadership. Sadio Camara, the Minister of Defense and a pivotal figure in the military government, was killed following a suicide attack on his home in Kati. The explosion also claimed the lives of his wife, two children, and several civilians, while destroying a nearby mosque. Camara was a primary architect of Mali‘s pivot toward Moscow and the deployment of Russian forces. His death marks the most significant political loss for the transition since its inception. Additionally, Modibo Koné, head of State Security, was wounded, and the junta leader, Assimi Goïta, was reportedly moved to a secure location.

A new alliance in the Azawad

This weekend’s events solidify a tactical partnership between Tuareg separatists and jihadist factions. The FLA, formed in late 2024 under Alghabass Ag Intalla, has officially renounced the 2015 Algiers peace accords. Although the Tuaregs seek autonomy for the Azawad region and JNIM aims for an Islamic state, they have found common ground against the Bamako junta and Russian mercenaries. This cooperation became evident during the 2024 battle of Tinzaouaten, where Russian forces suffered their worst defeat in Africa.

Analysts suggest that Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) may have played a role by providing technical expertise to the rebels, including the use of advanced drone tactics. While Kiev officially denies direct involvement, Mali has already severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine over these allegations. This escalating conflict suggests that Mali has become a new theater in a broader global struggle, forcing Russia to spread its resources thin to protect its interests on the African continent.