The news in Mali remains a source of concern, with the tense situation prevailing in Tessalit. Indeed, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has begun its withdrawal from this base located in the Kidal region, where the Malian army and the rebels of the Superior Council of State (CSP) are vying for control.
However, it is important to emphasize that this military offensive gives rise to differences of opinion as to its real reason for existence. For the Malian transitional authorities, this is a question of sovereignty and territorial defense. They justify this operation by claiming that it aims to protect the country and restore peace in the region.
However, some experts like Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute, believe that this military offensive is mainly motivated by political considerations. According to him, the transitional authorities seek to consolidate their power by galvanizing national sentiment and adopting a military-populist discourse. By engaging in this war in the North, they are trying to show the Malian population that they are acting for the liberation of the country and that national security takes precedence over electoral considerations and the transition negotiated with the Economic Community of States of the West Africa (ECOWAS).
However, it is important to underline the risks generated by this offensive. First of all, for Mali itself, which risks finding itself plunged into a prolonged conflict with devastating consequences. Furthermore, this situation also has implications for the sub-region. Indeed, Mali recently formed a new military alliance with Burkina Faso and Niger, called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This alliance allows member countries to intervene in the territory of other countries if necessary. However, this could also lead to an escalation of the conflict, with the risk of a Tuareg counter-alliance across national borders.
In its report, the Timbuktu Institute highlights the fact that the Malian transitional authorities seem to attach more importance to the consolidation of their power than to the resolution of crises. This strategy therefore risks compromising regional stability and aggravating ethnic tensions.
It is therefore crucial that all stakeholders mobilize constructively to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the situation in Mali. It is imperative that the Malian transitional authorities focus on resolving internal problems rather than consolidating their power. Furthermore, it is essential that the international community provide political, economic and security support to Mali in order to promote stability and development in the region..
In conclusion, it is important to closely monitor developments in Mali and support all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful and lasting solution. The stability of Mali is essential for the security and prosperity of the entire Sahel sub-region.