Current events in Mali continue to remind us of the fragility of the situation in the country. This Sunday, a new attack was perpetrated against a position of the Malian army in the locality of Bamba, in the Gao region. This attack comes only a few weeks after a previous offensive by armed groups of the former rebellion.
The heavily armed attackers arrived in Bamba early in the morning and quickly targeted the Malian army camp, located north of the village. Witnesses were able to observe intense exchanges of fire between Malian forces and terrorists. In a press release, the Malian Armed Forces (Fama) claimed to have repelled the attackers, while the ex-Malian rebels grouped within the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP) claim to have taken control of the camp. Witnesses actually reported seeing the ex-rebels inside the military position, before they left the scene with military equipment.
This new attack once again highlights the climate of insecurity that reigns in Mali. Despite the efforts of international mediation, represented in particular by the Monitoring Committee of the Algiers Peace Agreement and the United Nations Mission in Mali (Minusma), the situation continues to deteriorate. Minusma, whose main mission is now to organize the safe withdrawal of peacekeepers from Malian territory, can no longer even publish official press releases calling for calm.
It is surprising to note that despite Algeria’s leading role in mediating and signing the peace agreement between the Malian state and armed groups in 2015, the situation does not seem to be improving. According to certain sources, the Malian government is seeking to regain control of all military camps in the country, particularly in the Kidal region, from the former rebels. For their part, armed groups are seeking to extend their influence towards the south of the country.
This impasse worries international mediation, made up in particular of representatives of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The ex-rebels seem increasingly well equipped, which reinforces fears about the escalation of violence and the sustainability of the peace agreement.
It is more necessary than ever to find lasting solutions to bring peace and stability to Mali. The Malian population deserves to live in security and to be able to concentrate on the development of the country. Let us hope that mediation efforts can lead to a peaceful resolution of this crisis and provide a glimmer of hope for a better future for Mali.