Mali: Fresh Fighting Erupts in Kidal Between Rebels, Government Forces

Fresh fighting erupted Sunday in Mali's northern city of Kidal between government forces backed by Russian mercenaries and Tuareg rebels supported by Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists. The clashes followed coordinated attacks Saturday across junta-ruled Mali, where rebels claim to have seized positions in Kidal and the northern Gao region.

According to rebel spokesman Mohamed Ramdane, fighters aim to 'drive out the last Russian fighters' who have taken refuge in a local camp. A Malian government official confirmed Sunday's fighting, saying residents heard gunfire as clashes continued between the army, Russian forces, and rebel groups.

The violence marks the worst since 2020 when Mali's junta seized power, leaving 16 civilians and soldiers wounded with 'limited material damage.' The government claims the situation is 'totally under control,' though UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks and called for international support to address the evolving extremist threat in the Sahel region.

Kidal, a Tuareg stronghold, was retaken by Malian forces backed by Russia's Wagner group in November 2023 after more than a decade of rebel control. With Mali experiencing over a decade of conflict, how should regional neighbors balance support for stability concerns with addressing the root causes of Sahel insecurity?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/26/fresh-fighting-erupts-in-malis-kidal-as-rebels-army-clash/