Mali’s government insists on military resolve despite jihadist advances

In Mali, the transitional authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to counter armed groups. On April 25, jihadists from the Jnim—linked to al-Qaïda—and separatist rebels from the FLA launched coordinated large-scale attacks for the first time, resulting in the killing of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara and the capture of Kidal. Since then, Jnim has imposed a blockade on Bamako and intensified its assaults. Despite these challenges, the Malian army and its Russian partners in the Africa Corps continue their operations, demonstrating unwavering determination.

Mali’s transitional council defends military leadership

Moussa Ag Acharatoumane, member of Mali’s National Transitional Council (NTC) and leader of the MSA politico-military group in Ménaka, shares his perspective on the current crisis.

Question: Since the April 25 attacks, opponents of the transitional regime argue it has weakened. Supporters of the military leadership, however, call for unity. Do you believe Assimi Goïta remains the president Mali needs?

Moussa Ag Acharatoumane: Absolutely. Assimi Goïta continues to govern the country effectively. Despite the April 25 attacks, Mali stands strong and acts decisively. The defense and security forces have repelled terrorist actions, even amid complex attacks involving internal and external accomplices. Today, our army is more united than ever. Commanders and soldiers on the ground share a common resolve, morale is high, and operations continue nationwide.

Despite ongoing attacks, the blockade of Bamako, and continued threats, the regime appears resilient.

The regime is not only resilient—it is the Malian people themselves who are resilient today. Malians have deep trust in their army, their government, and their nation.

Assessing the Jnim-FLA alliance

Question: What is your assessment of the alliance between the Jnim jihadists and the FLA separatists?

Al-Qaïda’s influence is well-documented. Those who have aligned with this group have failed to learn from history. In 2012, a similar attempt was made, with devastating consequences. Some leaders within these groups have lost family members to al-Qaïda, yet they continue to collaborate with it. The same organization responsible for the 2013 assassination of journalists Ghislain Dupont and Claude Verlon in Kidal is now behind this alliance.

This alliance is a grave mistake. Our brothers must recognize the error of their ways and reconsider their position. They should follow the example of the MSA and Gatia—groups that have allied with the Malian army to combat international terrorism.

Question: FLA leaders claim this is merely a military alliance against a common enemy, the Malian army and Africa Corps, with no broader shared agenda.

When al-Qaïda’s official international organ publicly acknowledges its alliance with the FLA, when Iyad Ag Ghali—leader of Jnim—coordinates operations in Kidal alongside Alghabass Ag Intallah—a senior FLA figure—and when they parade through Kidal with black flags emblazoned with their extremist ideology, it is clear our brothers are in error. They were victims of these same actors in 2012, and the same forces persist in 2026.

Future military operations in Kidal

Question: Jnim and the FLA now control Kidal and Tessalit, while the Malian army and Russian Africa Corps maintain positions in Aguelhoc and Anéfis. Can we expect a counteroffensive in the Kidal region?

The defense and security forces are reorganizing and remain present in the Kidal region. They are determined to conduct operations across the country and will not cede an inch of territory to terrorist organizations.

Question: General El Hadj Ag Gamou, appointed governor of Kidal by the transitional authorities in 2023 and a figure you know well, is reportedly in Gao. Is this accurate? Could he participate in a counteroffensive in Kidal?

General El Hadj Ag Gamou is in excellent health and high spirits. He serves as governor of the Kidal region, and the army is responsible for military operations, reorganization, and redeployment. His role is governance, not combat. He is well and fully engaged in his duties.

Security in Ménaka after recent clashes

Question: In your region of Ménaka, the Malian army and Russian Africa Corps repelled Islamic State offensives in late April. How has the situation evolved since then?

Currently, the situation is under control. Administration has resumed, normal life has returned, and security forces along with their partners conduct regular patrols. However, the threat persists. We must remain vigilant—this is a war against one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations. While Ménaka is calm for now, the danger is ever-present.

Dialogue with armed groups: a viable option?

Question: Many opponents of the current regime, including the Coalition of Forces for the Republic led by Imam Dicko, advocate for dialogue and negotiation with Jnim and the FLA. This has been a recurring recommendation in national consultations for over a decade, including during the transitional period. The current authorities firmly reject this approach. Are you in favor of dialogue?

There is no room for negotiation with groups whose sole objective is to destroy our country. The Malian state protects its people and territorial integrity. Any negotiation would only be possible if these groups abandon their destructive agenda. They are Malians—if they change course, there is a place for everyone, but not under current conditions.