In Mali, the news is marked by a calm but tense situation in Tessalit. Indeed, Minusma has begun its disengagement from this base in the Kidal region, which is creating a situation of high tension between the Malian army and the CSP rebels. This situation follows a vast military operation launched by the Malian army in the north of the country. However, this operation is not without risk for Mali and for the entire Sahel region, according to experts from the Timbuktu Institute.
The Malian transitional authorities justify this military offensive as a question of sovereignty and territorial defense. However, the CSP rebels are demanding the application of the 2015 peace agreement and are not demanding independence for the northern regions, unlike what happened in 2012. This resumption of hostilities could nevertheless change the situation and revive the rebels’ independence ambitions.
For Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute, this military offensive mainly aims to legitimize the maintenance of power of the transitional authorities. By galvanizing national sentiment and adopting a military-populist discourse, the authorities seek to convince the Malian population that this war in the North is necessary to liberate the country. However, this strategy also carries risks. Not only for Mali, where the war could have disastrous and lasting consequences, but also for the entire sub-region. Indeed, Mali recently formed a military alliance with Burkina Faso and Niger, thus creating the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This alliance allows member countries to intervene in the territory of other countries if necessary. However, this conflict dynamic could worsen ethnic tensions and destabilize the region.
In its report, the Timbuktu Institute underlines that the Malian transitional authorities attach more importance to the consolidation of power than to the resolution of crises. This approach could undermine peace efforts and prolong the unrest in the country.
In this delicate situation, it is essential to find peaceful and lasting solutions to ensure the security of Mali and the entire Sahel region. National and international actors must redouble their efforts to promote dialogue and inclusiveness, in order to achieve peaceful resolution of disputes. The stability of the region is at stake, and it is essential to end cycles of violence and create a climate of peace and prosperity for all.