Mali’s army has retaken the northern town of Anefis after a week‑long battle with rebel fighters. The town lies about 100 kilometres from Kidal, which fell to al‑Qaeda‑linked militants and Tuareg separatists in April. The same groups launched coordinated attacks on Anefis on Saturday, seizing the town but failing to capture a nearby military camp. Malian soldiers, backed by Russian Africa Corps mercenaries, defended the base. Dozens of vehicles and air support from Gao reinforced the troops, arriving Thursday evening despite rebel attacks and retaking the town. A Mali military source said, “Malian troops and the Africa Corps partners broke through the obstacles and arrived in Anefis to reinforce our troops who were on the ground.” A spokesperson for the Tuareg separatists said the group had “decided to leave Anefis for strategic reasons and to avoid civilian casualties.”
The conflict in northern Mali has drawn international attention. The presence of al‑Qaeda‑linked militants and Tuareg separatists has complicated the security situation, and the Africa Corps, a Russian mercenary group, has been deployed to support Malian forces. Anefis’s strategic location near Kidal—a key stronghold for the militants—made it a focal point for the recent fighting. The Malian army’s victory may temporarily stabilize the area, but the underlying conflict remains unresolved.
Mali has faced a security crisis for more than a decade. The junta that seized power in 2021 promised calm but has largely failed to deliver. The recent battle underscores the volatility of the region and the challenges the government faces in restoring stability. International observers continue to monitor the situation, noting that the junta’s inability to curb insurgent activity has led to criticism and calls for a more comprehensive approach to security and governance in the north.
