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Rebel Alliance Seizes Kidal as Mali’s Defense Minister Is Killed and Russian Units Withdraw

The reversals expose a weakened security strategy underpinned by Russian support.

Sadio Camara was a key figure behind the Malian junta's pivot away from France and towards Russia
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Malian soldiers stand during a patrol following the attack on Mali's main military base Kati, outside the capital Bamako, in Kati, Mali, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Tuareg rebels ride on the back of a pickup truck in Kidal, Mali. Recent events in the West African nation highlighted the limits of Moscow’s reach (Photo: Abdollah Ag Mohamed/AFP via Getty)

Overview

  • A joint force of al‑Qaeda‑linked JNIM and Tuareg separatists from the FLA launched coordinated attacks across Mali on Saturday, striking Kati near Bamako, the airport zone, and several northern and central towns, and killing Defense Minister Sadio Camara.
  • Following the weekend offensive, Malian troops and Russia’s Africa Corps left the northern stronghold of Kidal, which JNIM and the FLA now say they control after state forces withdrew to Gao.
  • Assimi Goita resurfaced Tuesday in state photos with Russia’s ambassador and during a hospital visit, saying security operations were ongoing and the situation was under control.
  • Russia’s defense ministry called the assault a coup attempt and Africa Corps said the Kidal pullout was a joint decision with Bamako, although casualty totals and control of several towns remain unclear.
  • France on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Mali as FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane predicted the junta would fall and outlined plans to push toward Gao, Timbuktu, and Menaka.