The Africa Corps announced on social media on April 27 that, "According to a joint decision by the leadership of the Republic of Mali, units stationed and fighting in Kidal have left the area along with Malian soldiers." The force stated that injured fighters and heavy equipment had been evacuated, declaring it would continue operations in other areas of Mali but without providing details. "The situation in the Republic of Mali continues to be complex," the Africa Corps added, noting that some injured civilians had been taken to their medical units.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the separatist armed group Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), previously stated that the group had reached an agreement with the Africa Corps to ensure the force's "safe withdrawal from combat." Malian officials have not confirmed this information. However, a source close to local leaders reported that Malian troops had left Kidal and FLA forces were now in the city.

Members of the Africa Corps in a photo posted in February. *Photo: X/TheAfricaCorps*.

The withdrawal follows a recent surge in violence across Mali. Explosions have occurred in many areas since April 25, including the capital Bamako, as well as the central cities of Sevare and Mopti, and Gao and Kidal in the north. Malian Minister of Defense Sadio Camara was killed when his home was hit by a car bomb.

Kidal city, an important transit point between Mali and Algeria, has been a focal point of conflict. It served as the unofficial headquarters of the FLA for over a decade. Malian forces, aided by Russian mercenaries, took control of the city in late 2023. This stronghold had been a major obstacle to the Malian government's efforts to control the entire region and country.

Mali has faced long-standing rebellions from separatist forces in the north, along with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). The FLA, which seeks to establish a separatist state in northern areas inhabited by the Tuareg ethnic group, is believed to have focused its attacks on cities in that region. In contrast, the al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) insurgents launched simultaneous attacks in various other areas. Kidal became quiet on April 27, with schools and offices reopening and some military checkpoints dismantled.

Location of Kidal. *Graphic: Wikimedia*.

In the town of Tessit, south of Gao city, JNIM claimed that Malian forces had surrendered, adding that they allowed soldiers to lay down their weapons and withdraw safely. The Malian military has not confirmed this information.

The Africa Corps is a paramilitary organization directly managed by Russia's Ministry of Defense. It was formed to replace the Wagner private military company in Africa after Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin's unsuccessful rebellion in June 2023. Reuters news agency reported that 70-80% of Africa Corps members previously worked for Wagner. According to the BBC, Russia gains access to important natural resources, such as gold, diamonds, and uranium, by assisting local governments.

By Pham Giang (According to BBC, AFP, Reuters)