The situation in Mali is evolving rapidly, with the Malian Armed Forces (Fama) having managed to regain control of the town of Anefis from the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP) rebels. This victory marks a significant step forward in ongoing military operations in Mali.
After two days of intense fighting, Malian soldiers raised the national flag in the town of Anefis, marking their victory. However, this temporary pause in fighting is not expected to last, as the Malian army has already announced its intention to continue its advance towards the military camps of Aguelhoc, Tessalit and Kidal, where the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission Mali (Minusma) must disengage soon.
The resumption of these camps by the Malian army is causing tensions, because according to UN rules, Minusma must hand them over to the Malian political authorities. However, the CSP rebels believe that these camps, located in areas under their control before the signing of the 2015 peace agreement, should return to them. This situation further complicates the withdrawal of UN troops and risks increasing tensions on the ground.
Despite this victory in Anefis, the situation remains complex, as the CSP rebels said they had left the town to avoid unnecessary fighting and were reportedly repositioning their defense lines strategically. They also accuse the Malian army and the Russian mercenaries of the Wagner group of having committed abuses against civilian populations during their advance.
While waiting for the resumption of clashes, aerial bombardments have been reported near Kidal. This escalation of hostilities highlights the fragility of the situation in Mali and the need to find a peaceful and lasting solution to end armed conflicts in the region.
The capture of Anefis by Malian forces is an important development in the ongoing conflict in Mali. However, it is essential that all parties involved seek a peaceful solution and respect previously signed peace agreements. The Malian population continues to suffer the consequences of armed violence, and it is crucial that measures are taken to guarantee their safety and well-being.