Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition gather at the Kidal roundabout in Kidal, on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe. Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (Photo by AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by - has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Removes byline]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.
A carefully choreographed display of victory is currently circulating online. Numerous social media clips depict Tuareg rebels from the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA) and members of Jnim (the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) celebrating atop armored vehicles left behind by fleeing Russian operatives. This significant development in West Africa news highlights the shifting dynamics in the region.
Just 48 hours following the takeover of Kidal in northern Mali, approximately 400 members of Africa Corps—formerly known as the Wagner Group—departed the city under protection. According to a post on the X platform by the FLA, a specific deal was struck between the Azawad forces and the Russian paramilitaries to facilitate their protected exit from the area. This retreat has major implications for African politics and the security landscape of the Sahel, as reported by Panafrica News. The sudden departure of these forces has left the military leadership in Bamako facing a complex new reality in the African economy today.
