Title: Armed tensions in Tessalit in Mali: Malian forces and CSP rebels exchange fire
Introduction :
In Mali, the town of Tessalit is the scene of a tense situation between the Malian army and the rebels of the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP). Exchanges of fire broke out this morning, following the landing of a Malian army cargo plane. Although precise information on the events is still limited, it is clear that the rivalry between the two groups continues, with potentially serious consequences for the local population.
Sources report that the Malian army cargo plane landed on the Tessalit runway early in the morning. Details of the contents of this flight remain unclear, but it is believed to have transported military equipment. The CSP rebels quickly reacted by opening fire on the Malian soldiers present in the Tessalit camp. There are no reports of anyone injured so far, but these exchanges of fire demonstrate the growing tension between the two factions.
Persistent tensions:
It should be emphasized that this situation is not isolated. In recent weeks, Tessalit has been the scene of several violent incidents involving the Malian army and CSP rebels. The two groups are competing for control of this strategic region of Kidal. As the Malian army seeks to expand its influence, rebels view the region as their legitimate territory under the 2015 peace deal.
In addition, the presence of Russian proxies from the Wagner group alongside the Malian army aggravates tensions. The CSP rebels accuse these forces of abuses against civilians, thus fueling their desire to resist their advance.
Humanitarian impact:
These armed clashes have significant humanitarian consequences. The civilian population is caught between the conflicting forces and is forced to flee the town of Tessalit for fear of reprisals or of being victims of violence. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees reports that many families have already left the city due to this escalation of tensions.
The role of Minusma:
The United Nations Mission in Mali (Minusma) is involved in this situation, but its gradual withdrawal from Tessalit is becoming a subject of controversy. While the Malian government demands compliance with the planned deadlines, Minusma highlights the difficulties encountered in withdrawing its equipment due to the obstacles posed by the Malian authorities.
Conclusion :
The situation in Tessalit in Mali remains worrying, with recurring armed clashes between the Malian army and the CSP rebels. The rivalry for control of this strategic region continues to pose a serious threat to the civilian population, forced to flee the violence. It is essential that stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue and find a peaceful solution to end this cycle of violence. The international community must also support mediation and stabilization efforts in this critical region of Mali.