Title: Tensions in Mali: the Coordination of Azawad Movements declares being “in times of war” with the junta in power
Introduction :
Mali is facing a new escalation of tension in the north of the country. The Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), an alliance of predominantly Tuareg groups, claimed to be “in times of war” with the junta in power in Bamako. Faced with this situation, she calls on all the inhabitants of Azawad to join the fight to defend and protect their territory. This declaration marks an intensification of tensions between the CMA and the junta, thus threatening the peace agreement signed in 2015.
The context of tension:
For months, relations between the CMA and the junta have deteriorated, jeopardizing the 2015 peace agreement. Rivalries between the different actors in northern Mali have intensified in recent weeks, with an increase in attacks and security incidents. Tuareg armed groups, jihadists and the Malian army are competing for control of the territory, giving rise to regular clashes.
The CMA statement:
In its press release entitled “Communication in times of war”, the CMA calls on the inhabitants of Azawad to join the fight to defend their territory. She denounces the acts of aggression by the Malian army and the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, claiming that the latter have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The CMA positions itself in self-defense in the face of these attacks.
The role of the junta and Wagner:
Since taking power in 2020, the Malian military has been suspected of having used Wagner’s services, despite their denials. The presence of this Russian paramilitary group fuels tensions with the CMA and reinforces suspicions of abuses against local populations. The junta, for its part, claims to want to restore the sovereignty of the country, which opposes the demands of the Tuareg armed groups.
The consequences for the region:
This escalation of tensions in Mali comes in a context of security reconfiguration in the north of the country, following the departure of the French anti-jihadist force and the current withdrawal of the UN mission. This situation further weakens the situation in Mali and raises fears of a resumption of widespread hostilities, with disastrous consequences both on the humanitarian and security levels.
Conclusion :
Tensions between the Coordination of Azawad Movements and the junta in power in Mali are intensifying, jeopardizing the 2015 peace agreement. In this context, the CMA declares that it is “in times of war” and calls on inhabitants of Azawad to join the fight. This precarious situation reinforces concerns about the stability of the country and the jihadist threat in the region. It is urgent that the actors involved find a peaceful solution to avoid a further escalation of violence.