In Mali, the transitional authorities remain steadfast in their determination to confront armed groups. The jihadist coalition Jnim, affiliated with al-Qaïda, and the separatist rebels of the FLA launched coordinated large-scale attacks on April 25 that resulted in the death of the Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara, and the capture of Kidal. Since then, Jnim has imposed a blockade on Bamako and intensified its assaults. Despite these challenges, the Malian army and its Russian partners in the Africa Corps have continued operations, demonstrating unwavering resolve.

Moussa Ag Acharatoumane, a prominent figure in the National Transitional Council—which functions as Mali’s legislative body in the absence of elections for nearly six years—and leader of the MSA, a politico-military group from the Ménaka region, shares his perspective on the current crisis. The MSA is allied with the transitional authorities and collaborates with the Malian army and the Africa Corps in the fight against terrorism in northern Mali.

a united front against terrorism

Moussa Ag Acharatoumane: Of course, Assimi Goïta remains the leader Mali needs. He continues to govern the country with steadfast resolve. Despite the April 25 attacks, Mali stands firm—its institutions are operational, and defense forces have repelled terrorist advances, even amid internal and external complicity. Today, our army is more cohesive than ever; command structures are unified, morale among soldiers is high, and operations are ongoing nationwide.

Even with ongoing armed group attacks, a blockade on Bamako, and territorial losses in Kidal, the regime remains resilient.

Not only is the regime resilient—it is the Malian people themselves who are resilient. Malians hold their army in high regard, trust their government, and cherish their nation.

the dangers of al-qaïda’s alliance with separatists

On the Jnim-FLA alliance:

Al-Qaïda’s agenda is well-documented. Those who align with it have failed to learn from history—similar attempts in 2012 led to catastrophic consequences. While not all groups within this alliance are complicit, many have suffered directly at the hands of al-Qaïda, including families of its early leaders who were decimated by the organization. The same al-Qaïda that assassinated journalists Ghislain Dupont and Claude Verlon in Kidal in 2013—an act later claimed by al-Qaïda in the Islamic Maghreb—continues to operate today, with some of its key figures now leading Jnim.

This alliance is a grave misstep. Our brothers must recognize the gravity of their error and reverse course. They should follow the example of groups like the MSA and Gatia, which have allied with the Malian army to combat international terrorism.

Critics argue this alliance is merely tactical against a common enemy—the Malian army and Africa Corps—without broader ideological alignment.

However, when al-Qaïda’s international media outlets acknowledge this alliance, when Iyad Ag Ghali—Jnim’s leader—coordinates operations alongside Alghabass Ag Intallah, a senior FLA figure, in Kidal, and when these groups parade through the city with black flags emblazoned with their extremist ideology, it is clear this is no ordinary military pact. Our brothers are mistaken, repeating the same errors of 2012 with the same actors in 2026.

military strategy and future operations in Kidal

With Jnim and the FLA controlling Kidal and Tessalit, while Malian forces and the Africa Corps hold positions in Aguelhoc and Anéfis, is a counteroffensive imminent?

Defense and security forces are actively reorganizing and remain present in the Kidal region. They are determined to conduct operations across the country and will not yield an inch of Malian soil to terrorist organizations.

General El Hadj Ag Gamou, appointed governor of Kidal in 2023 and a key figure in the region:

General El Hadj Ag Gamou is in excellent spirits, commanding full authority and morale. As governor of Kidal, his role is to oversee regional governance, while the army focuses on military operations, redeployment, and offensive strategies. He is well, and there are no issues regarding his position.

stability in ménaka amid ongoing threats

In Ménaka, where the Islamic State—a rival jihadist group to Jnim—was repelled by Malian forces and the Africa Corps in late April, life has returned to normal. Administration has resumed, security patrols are active, and the city is under control. However, the threat persists. We remain vigilant, as we are at war with one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations. For now, Ménaka is calm, but we must stay alert.

no room for negotiation with extremists

Dialogue and negotiation with Jnim and the FLA are advocated by some opposition figures, such as the Coalition of Republican Forces led by Imam Dicko. Yet, such talks have been a recurring theme in national consultations for over a decade, including during the transitional period. The current authorities firmly reject these proposals.

Should negotiation be considered?

There is no room for negotiation with groups whose sole objective is the destruction of our country. The Malian state is duty-bound to protect its citizens and territorial integrity. Any dialogue would only be possible if these groups abandon their extremist ideologies and projects. They are Malians—there is a place for everyone within our nation—but not under these conditions.