Mali continues to face a tense situation as fighting between the Malian army and CSP rebels appears to resume. After a break observed since October 7, 2023, the Fama-Wagner convoy started moving again this morning of October 13, indicating a possible resumption of hostilities.
The convoy, which had been stationed in Anefis since last Saturday, resumed its progress towards the camps in the Kidal region, which Minusma must soon leave. To strengthen their presence in the region, the Malian army also airlifted Malian soldiers and Russian auxiliaries from the Wagner group to Tessalit, a town disputed between Malian forces and CSP rebels.
Tessalit is located in an area controlled by the CSP, but Malian soldiers have been present there since 2013, following their deployment with the French army. This presence is provided for by the security agreements included in the 2015 peace agreement. However, with the imminent withdrawal of Minusma from Tessalit, the situation becomes more complex, as the Malian army seeks to regain control of the region.
The presence of Malian soldiers and Wagner fighters in Tessalit has sparked tensions, particularly among Chadian peacekeepers from Minusma, who are also in the base. The CSP considers this a form of “complicity” on the part of the UN.
The resumption of the advance of the Fama-Wagner convoy towards Tessalit indicates a possible intensification of fighting in the region. The CSP rebels also claim to be “surrounding” the convoy and preparing for the next battles, which they announce as “imminent”.
At the same time, other incidents were reported in the country. A convoy of vehicles transporting Minusma equipment was attacked in Konna, in central Mali. Although the perpetrators of the attack are not yet known, the jihadist group Jnim, affiliated with al-Qaeda, is present in this region and remains a threat.
The situation in Mali is therefore very volatile and it is important to monitor developments closely. Tensions between the Malian army and the CSP rebels, accompanied by terrorist attacks, underline the fragility of stability in the region. The international community must redouble its efforts to support Mali in its efforts for peace and security.