Is Mali’s security crisis entering an even more dangerous phase?
Fresh coordinated attacks across the country suggest the conflict is far from over.
On Saturday, Al Qaeda-linked JNIM fighters and their Tuareg FLA separatist allies launched assaults on several towns, including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, and Sevare.
They also attacked a prison near the capital, Bamako.
The attacks come just months after the same alliance captured the strategic northern city of Kidal and killed Mali’s defence minister.
Since seizing power in coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali’s military government has promised to restore stability.
Instead, violence has continued despite support from Africa Corps, the Moscow-backed paramilitary force assisting government operations.
Security analyst Bakary Sambe of the Timbuktu Institute believes the latest offensive is part of a bigger strategy.
Conflict Enters New Phase
These operations, he said, are “contributing to weakening and isolating the regime” and could be “intermediate steps pending a more spectacular assault.”
The Malian army insists the attacks were “vigorously repelled” and that the situation is under control.
However, regional officials claim rebels have seized Anefis, with government troops reportedly captured, highlighting the uncertainty on the ground.
For now, the battle lines remain fluid but with insurgents striking multiple fronts at once.
Mali’s long-running conflict appears to be entering another chapter. It appears to be another volatile chapter.
