For many years, Mali has been grappling with a profound security and political crisis, casting a long shadow over the nation’s stability.

The security crisis continues to escalate with relentless attacks by jihadist and separatist armed groups. A recent significant incident occurred on April 25, when the capital, Bamako, was targeted in an assault that tragically claimed the life of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, among others.

Parallel to this, Mali endures a deep political crisis. Following coups in 2020 and 2021, military authorities have consolidated power, leading to a complete freeze on political party activities and an unchecked governance by the junta.

A pivotal moment arrived in November 2023 when the Malian Armed Forces, bolstered by Russian paramilitary support from the Wagner Group, successfully recaptured Kidal. This strategic city had been under the control of rebel groups since 2012. This aggressive resumption of hostilities effectively signaled the demise of the 2015 Algiers Accord, a peace agreement forged between the Malian government and northern separatists.

Subsequently, on January 25, 2024, the Malian government formally announced the “immediate termination” of the Algiers Accord on peace and reconciliation. With the accord abandoned, the conflict reignited with renewed intensity. On April 25, 2026, separatist forces from the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA) and the Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (JNIM) launched a coordinated series of attacks across several cities, including Bamako, swiftly regaining control of Kidal.

This special broadcast delves into these complex developments, featuring insightful analyses from experts such as Étienne Fakaba Sissoko of the CFR, Gilles Yabi of WATHI, and sociologist Mohamed Abdellahi Elkhalil.