The historic city of Timbuktu in northern Mali was once again targeted in a mortar attack, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to five others. The army has attributed the attack to “terrorists,” as the city has been under siege by jihadists, leading to severe food shortages. The situation highlights the worsening security situation in Mali, where the military seized power in 2020, accusing the civilian government of failing to address the insurgency.
Over the past decade, Mali has faced a series of militant attacks, and the promises made by the military to quell the violence seem to have fallen short. Just two weeks ago, a river boat ambush claimed the lives of 49 individuals, underscoring the brutality of the conflict. In response to the escalating violence, the UN peacekeeping force, which has been present in Mali since 2013, has announced its withdrawal at the military government’s request. This has left the country further exposed to the jihadist insurgency.
Furthermore, the situation in Timbuktu is not an isolated incident. On the same day as the mortar attack, the army successfully foiled an assault on Léré town, located southwest of Timbuktu, resulting in the death of five militants. Additionally, ethnic Tuareg rebels raided two military camps, causing the deaths of five soldiers. These rebels are part of an alliance that re-launched a rebellion last month, demanding independence for northern Mali. They accuse the junta of reneging on the 2015 Algiers peace deal, which aimed to resolve the previous rebellion.
The insecurity in Mali extends beyond Timbuktu, with Islamist insurgents operating across West Africa, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Consequently, all three countries have witnessed military takeovers in an attempt to address the jihadist insurgency. However, these power transitions have not succeeded in curbing the violence. It raises questions about the effectiveness of Wagner Group, a private military company from Russia, which was brought in by the Malian authorities following the withdrawal of French forces.
The renewed violence in Timbuktu and the wider security situation in Mali require urgent attention. The international community must ensure that adequate support is provided to the Malian military in combating the jihadist insurgency. Moreover, efforts should be made to revive the peace process and address the grievances of ethnic groups like the Tuaregs who seek autonomy. Lastly, regional cooperation is necessary to prevent the cross-border movement of insurgents and to coordinate counter-terrorism strategies.
The situation in Mali serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by many countries in West Africa. It emphasizes the need for international collaboration and a comprehensive approach to combatting terrorism in the region. Failure to address these issues could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Mali but also for its neighboring countries and the stability of the entire Sahel region. It is crucial for the international community to remain engaged and committed to finding long-term solutions to restore peace and security in Mali.
