Northern Mali is once again the scene of clashes between the Malian army and armed groups. Tensions reached a critical level this week, with the attack of the Permanent Strategic Framework, an alliance of armed groups, on the garrison town of Bourem.
The Malian army managed to repel the attack, but unfortunately it caused many deaths. At the same time, the Jnim armed group claimed several attacks against army positions as well as a passenger transport boat on the Niger River.
This escalation of violence raises the question of the situation in northern Mali and the reasons behind it. Guillaume Soto-Mayor, associate researcher at the Middle East Institute and specialist in security issues in sub-Saharan Africa, identifies several factors.
First of all, he mentions the defects inherited from the Algiers agreement as well as from previous peace processes which were unsuccessful. The actors involved no longer trust each other, which creates tensions between communities and local personalities. In addition, political, criminal and security issues exacerbate these tensions.
Another key element is the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). This withdrawal created an inflammatory situation, contributing to the escalation of violence.
It is crucial to find lasting solutions to bring stability to this region. Political, security and humanitarian efforts must be made to restore trust between actors and to meet the needs of populations affected by conflicts.
In conclusion, the clashes in northern Mali are the result of a combination of complex factors, ranging from flaws in the peace agreements to the precarious political and security situation. It is imperative that the international community supports stabilization efforts in this region to prevent an even more dangerous escalation.