Mali: inside the rebel stronghold of Kidal

In the northern reaches of Mali, a powerful alliance between the JNIM—a terrorist organization linked to Al-Qaeda—and the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA), a Tuareg insurgent group, has dramatically altered the security landscape. During a series of coordinated strikes in late April, these forces successfully overwhelmed the Mali national army and their Russia-based partners from the Africa Corps across various regions.

I traveled to Kidal to observe the current situation firsthand. The city is now firmly under the control of FLA fighters, who have managed to retake the territory they lost in late 2023. The intensity of the recent warfare has left the city a ghost of its former self; the entire local population has fled, leaving the streets empty and silent.

A strategic alliance in the north

The collaboration between Tuareg rebels and JNIM represents a significant shift in the conflict. These groups, once distinct in their objectives, are now working in tandem to maintain their grip on Kidal. Their presence is visible throughout the city, as they consolidate their defenses in anticipation of future clashes.

The atmosphere in Kidal is one of high alert. While the rebels currently hold the upper hand, they are under no illusions about the future. The Mali government is expected to launch a major counter-offensive to reclaim this strategic northern hub, and the insurgent forces are actively preparing for the next phase of this escalating war.