Mali: The national army regains control of the city of Kidal

The Malian army, supported by its Russian partners, entered the city of Kidal on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. According to RFI, this advance follows an offensive launched the previous weekend from the localities of Anéfis and Aguelhoc. The convoy, consisting of approximately 120 vehicles including Fama soldiers, Russian military personnel from the Africa Corps, as well as members of the MSA and Gatia, was able to enter the city without encountering armed resistance.

The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which had occupied Kidal since April 2026 alongside the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), formalized its departure in a statement. The movement described this withdrawal as a temporary "strategic retreat," justified by the desire to protect civilian populations and preserve its operational capabilities. This maneuver leaves the field open for the transitional authorities to reoccupy this symbolic urban center.

The Malian General Staff confirmed, through official channels, the deployment of large-scale air-ground operations in the region. The stated objective is to neutralize armed groups, dismantle their sanctuaries, and restore the free movement of citizens. These troop movements follow an intensification of airstrikes and drone attacks in the area, particularly around Kidal and Tinzaouatène, conducted by the army since October 4.

The humanitarian and security situation remains complex in a city largely deserted by its inhabitants since 2023. While the army claims precision strikes have neutralized fighters, the FLA, for its part, denounces indiscriminate operations that have hit civilian infrastructure, such as homes and commercial areas. No independent assessment is currently available to confirm the extent of human and material losses linked to these recent clashes.

Our perspective

The recapture of Kidal marks a turning point for Mali's territorial sovereignty. For the Malian population, the challenge remains the restoration of a lasting peace that guarantees the security and respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens. The return of state authority must now be accompanied by real protection for civilians and an inclusive dialogue to heal the wounds of a conflict that weakens national unity and the country's development.