A coalition of primarily Tuareg separatists has declared a significant victory over the Malian army and its Russian allies after three days of fierce combat in the Tinzaouatene district, near the Algerian border.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD) alliance, stated on Sunday, "Our forces decisively obliterated these enemy columns on Saturday." The statement detailed the seizure and destruction of a large cache of equipment and weapons, along with the capture of prisoners. The clash resulted in the deaths of
Seven rebels and injuries to twelve.
Since taking power in 2020, Mali's military rulers, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, have relied on Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries for security, following the expulsion of French forces in 2022. The Tuareg, an ethnic group with a long-standing struggle for independence since 2012, have frequently clashed with government forces.
On Thursday, large-scale fighting erupted as the Malian army claimed to have regained control of several districts in Tinzaouatene. This area, largely surrounded by Algerian territory, has been a battleground for separatists and the military for over a decade.
The CSP-PSD also reported damaging a helicopter that crashed in Kidal, a known rebel stronghold. This incident followed the army's offensive in 2023, which saw government forces briefly take control of Kidal. The Malian military acknowledged the loss of two soldiers and injuries to ten others, as well as a helicopter crash in Kidal during a routine mission, with no fatalities reported.
Involvement of Wagner Group
According to videos shared by the rebels with AFP, white soldiers were seen among the prisoners, indicating the presence of Wagner Group mercenaries. Local sources reported that the Malian army retreated, leaving behind at least 15 Wagner fighters, either killed or captured. Mossa Ag Inzoma, a member of the separatist movement, claimed "dozens" of Wagner fighters and soldiers were either killed or taken prisoner.
Prominent Russian military bloggers corroborated these reports, with Semyon Pegov, known as War Gonzo, stating, "Employees of the Wagner PMC [Group], who were moving in a convoy with government troops, were killed in Mali … Some were captured." The Baza Telegram news channel, linked to Russian security, reported at least 20 Wagner fighters were killed.
Ongoing Conflict and Allegations
The presence of Wagner fighters in Mali dates back to at least 2021. Despite Mali's assertions that Russian forces are merely trainers assisting local troops, numerous reports have emerged of rights abuses against civilians by both the Malian army and Wagner forces, which Malian authorities deny.
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by violence from rebels affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), as well as community self-defence groups and criminal organizations. The recent battle in Tinzaouatene is a stark reminder of the ongoing instability in the region and the complex web of alliances and conflicts that continue to shape Mali’s future.