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Mali’s Tuareg rebels say Russian fighters must withdraw from country
TL;DR
Mali's Tuareg rebels demand the withdrawal of Russian fighters supporting the military government. The Azawad Liberation Front aims to remove Russia's Africa Corps, citing their backing of a regime involved in serious crimes.
Key points
- Mali's Tuareg rebels demand Russian fighter withdrawal
- Azawad Liberation Front aims for Russia's Africa Corps exit
- Russian fighters support Mali's military government
- Conflict involves attacks from various rebel groups
- Rebels criticize Russia for backing a regime accused of crimes
Mentioned in this story
Azawad Liberation FrontMohamed Elmaouloud RamadaneRussia's Africa CorpsAssimi Goita
Mali’s Tuareg rebels, involved in a continuing uprising, including the assassination of the country’s defence minister, have said they want to drive the military government’s Russian backers out of the country.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), told the AFP news agency during a visit to Paris to meet French security and defence officials that his movement’s “objective” was for Russia’s Africa Corps to “withdraw permanently” from the country.
Russian fighters backed the military government of President Assimi Goita, as it came under coordinated attack from an alliance of Tuareg separatists, Fulani and Arab rebels, and al-Qaeda-linked fighters, who entered the capital Bamako and made gains across several northern and central cities, including Kidal and Sevare.
“We have no particular problem with Russia, nor with any other country. Our problem is with the regime that governs Bamako,” Ramadane told AFP as he sought support from France, the former colonial power whose troops were forced out by Mali’s military rulers in 2022.
He said the rebels viewed Russia’s intervention negatively because they “supported people who committed serious crimes and massacres”, referring to Goita’s government, which seized power in a coup in 2020.
Coup attempt
The rebel alliance, including the FLA and the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, launched a coordinated offensive in multiple cities on Saturday.
Mali’s defence minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in an assault on his home at his residence in Kati, a garrison town near Bamako, which is home to several senior government officials. The Malian government said he was killed by a “car bomb driven by a suicide bomber”.
His funeral will be held on Thursday at 10am (09:00GMT).
Amid the attacks on Saturday, Russian fighters were seen driving out of the northern town of Kidal in trucks, reportedly after negotiating their exit through the mediation of neighbouring Algeria.
Ramadane said the Russians had asked for a secure corridor to withdraw and were escorted to Anefis southwest of Kidal. “The Russians found themselves in danger. There was no way out,” he said.
Q&A
What do Mali's Tuareg rebels want regarding Russian fighters?
Mali's Tuareg rebels want the Russian fighters, specifically from Russia's Africa Corps, to withdraw permanently from the country.
Who is Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane?
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane is a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, the group leading the call for the withdrawal of Russian forces in Mali.
What is the context of the conflict involving Mali's military government?
The conflict involves an uprising against Mali's military government, which is supported by Russian fighters, amidst attacks from Tuareg separatists and other rebel groups.
Why do the Tuareg rebels oppose Russia's involvement in Mali?
The Tuareg rebels oppose Russia's involvement because they believe it supports a regime that has committed serious crimes and massacres against the population.
