Mali is facing a serious security crisis after its army and Russian mercenary allies surrendered a key military base in the country’s north to rebel forces. The development comes as Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups have joined hands to challenge the ruling junta. The situation has worsened following coordinated and large-scale attacks carried out last weekend.

The conflict involves armed groups such as the Front for the Liberation of Azawad and the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which have formed a united front. These groups have intensified their efforts to weaken the government’s control, especially in northern regions of the country.

During the recent attacks, the rebels managed to capture the important northern town of Kidal. In the same wave of violence, Mali’s defence minister Sadio Camara was killed. His death marks a major blow to the junta, as he was considered a key figure in the country’s leadership.

On Friday, the situation escalated further when Malian forces stationed at the Tessalit “super-camp” near the Algerian border surrendered the base. According to an official from the Front for the Liberation of Azawad, the troops left the military installation and moved southward. This retreat happened without any direct fighting at the site.

A security source in Gao confirmed that no clashes occurred at Tessalit, as government troops had already evacuated before the rebels arrived. A local elected official also confirmed that Russian forces had withdrawn from the base. The lack of resistance highlights the pressure faced by Malian forces in the region.

Tessalit holds major strategic importance due to its location and infrastructure. The base has a well-maintained airstrip that can handle helicopters and large military aircraft. It had been home to a significant number of Malian soldiers and Russian allies, along with a large stock of military equipment.

A military officer described the base by saying, "Tessalit is the oldest base built by the colonial power ", and added that its position in the far north offered "a panoramic view of the entire Sahara". This highlights the importance of the base in terms of both history and military advantage.

Malian forces were also forced to abandon another base at Aguelhok, located about 100 kilometres south of Tessalit. This was confirmed by both a local elected official and a representative from the rebel group. The back-to-back losses show the weakening control of the government in northern Mali.

The recent wave of attacks is being described as the largest in nearly 15 years in the country. The coordinated assaults targeted multiple locations, including areas around the capital city, Bamako. At least 23 people were killed in the violence, along with the defence minister.

A government tribute was held on Thursday for Sadio Camara, who was 47 years old. He died in a car bomb explosion at his residence in Kati. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of top officials and the reach of rebel groups.

The Tuareg rebels have openly stated their goals, saying they aim to take control of the entire northern region. They have also predicted that the junta, which came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, will eventually fall. This reflects growing confidence among rebel groups.

In recent years, Mali has shifted its international alliances. The country has reduced ties with France, its former colonial ruler, and moved closer to Russia. Similar trends have been seen in neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, which are also led by military juntas.

These three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance has created a joint military force, which is said to include around 15,000 personnel. This force is meant to tackle growing security threats in the region.

The government of Niger stated on Thursday that the three countries had "conducted intense air campaigns" following the recent attacks in Mali. This indicates a coordinated military response, although the situation on the ground remains tense.

The recent assault is seen as a major moment in the conflict led by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) against the Malian government. However, this is not the only strategy used by the group. In late 2024, JNIM attempted to disrupt the country’s economy by blocking fuel supplies coming from abroad.

These blockades targeted fuel shipments from countries like the Ivory Coast and Senegal. By cutting off access to petrol and diesel, the group aimed to weaken Mali’s economy and increase pressure on the government.

The current developments show that Mali is facing a deep and complex crisis. The loss of key military bases, rising rebel coordination, and continued attacks highlight the challenges ahead for the country’s leadership.