Inside Mali’s rebel-held city of Kidal

In late April, coordinated strikes by the JNIM—an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist faction—and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA), a Tuareg rebel group, overwhelmed Malian forces and their Russian allies, the Africa Corps, in multiple cities across the country. Our team secured rare access to FLA fighters stationed in Kidal, a city that had been recaptured by government troops in late 2023. With rebels now in control, the civilian population has fled, leaving behind a tense standoff as the group prepares for a potential counteroffensive from Bamako.

How the alliance reshaped the conflict

The sudden alliance between the JNIM and the FLA marks a turning point in Mali’s decade-long security crisis. While the JNIM has been active in the Sahel for years, the FLA’s emergence as a military force adds new complexity to the conflict. Together, they exploited weaknesses in the junta’s defenses, seizing key locations with surprising speed. The fall of Kidal underscores the shifting balance of power and raises critical questions about the government’s ability to regain control.

Life under rebel rule

The withdrawal of civilians from Kidal has left the city eerily quiet. Residents who remain speak of uncertainty and fear, caught between the rebels’ demands and the looming threat of military retaliation. Meanwhile, FLA commanders, now operating openly in the streets, are reorganizing local governance structures and securing supply routes. Their stated goal: to push for greater autonomy for the Azawad region, a demand that has defined their struggle for decades.

What comes next?

The Malian government, backed by the Africa Corps, has vowed to retake the city. But the rebels’ alliance with the JNIM—a group with proven combat experience—complicates any military operation. Analysts warn that a prolonged siege could destabilize the region further, drawing in additional armed factions and deepening the humanitarian crisis. With international observers closely watching, the coming weeks will be decisive for Mali’s future.

Key takeaways from the front lines

• Military shift: The JNIM-FLA alliance has demonstrated unprecedented coordination, challenging the junta’s authority.
• Humanitarian impact: The evacuation of civilians from Kidal highlights the growing displacement crisis in northern Mali.
• Political implications: The rebels’ advance could force Bamako to reconsider its approach to the Azawad question and its reliance on foreign allies.