In northern Mali, the strategic camp of Tessalit is now controlled by armed groups, after their attacks last weekend against the ruling junta, local, security and independence sources told AFP on Friday.

Published on: 05/01/2026 - 2:21 p.m.

In northern Mali, rebels are consolidating their hold. The strategic camp of Tessalit, in the Kidal region, is now under the control of armed groups, after their series of attacks last weekend against the ruling junta, local, security and independence sources told AFP on Friday May 1.

The Malian army and its Russian allies “abandoned their positions in Tessalit this Friday morning,” a local elected official told AFP. According to a security source who spoke to AFP, the latter had already "evacuated" the camp before the arrival of the armed groups. “No fight took place,” he said. They “surrendered” to Tessalit, according to a leader of the rebel group.

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Strategic basis

Located near the border with Algeria, Tessalit represents a strategic camp due to its geographical position, in addition to having a large airstrip in good condition capable of accommodating helicopters and other large military aircraft.

The camp also hosted a significant number of Malian soldiers and their Russian allies as well as military equipment.

Read alsoIn Mali, a weakened partnership between Russia and the junta in the face of the jihadist offensive

Mali faces a critical security situation and is prey to uncertainty and excitement after the unprecedented attacks carried out by jihadists from the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (Jnim, affiliated with Al-Qaeda) and the rebellion of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) against strategic positions of the junta, more weakened than ever.

With AFP

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