The hot news is turning to Mali where the Malian army is launching an offensive against the Tuareg rebellion in the Kidal region. This battle is crucial for the central state which seeks to assert its sovereignty over this strategic region.
Fighting resumed last Sunday, as the army advanced towards Kidal. Witnesses reported hearing sounds of rockets and seeing army planes flying towards the town. The situation remains complex and difficult to assess due to insecurity and the remoteness of the conflict zone.
Kidal, historic center of independence insurgencies and a crossroads on the road to Algeria, is a key city in the region. Since the Tuareg rebellion took up arms again last August, the inhabitants of Kidal have expected an imminent confrontation. However, the regional context is also complex, with the presence of different actors (regular army, rebels, jihadists) seeking to extend their influence.
This renewed tension in northern Mali highlights the fragility of the security situation in the country. Since the telephone network in Kidal was cut, there were signs of an imminent army offensive. However, it also risks benefiting jihadist groups seeking to strengthen their hold on the region.
The recently completed evacuation of the UN Minusma mission camp in Kidal makes the situation even more explosive. The central authorities are demanding the restitution of the camps, while the rebels are opposed. This insubordination of Kidal and its region is a cause for concern for the Malian government which seeks to restore its territorial sovereignty.
It is essential that the international community remains attentive to this situation and supports the efforts of the Malian government to restore stability in the country. Resolving this conflict is crucial to ensuring the security and development of Mali, as well as preventing the spread of terrorism throughout the region.
In conclusion, the fighting between the Malian army and the Tuareg rebellion in Kidal is a reminder of the challenges facing the country. It is essential to find a peaceful and lasting solution to this conflict in order to guarantee the security and prosperity of Mali.