Northern Tuareg rebels in Mali have announced the seizure of a United Nations (UN) base in the city of Kidal. The base, which was vacated by UN peacekeepers, is strategically significant as Mali's army seeks to regain control of the area. The UN mission, known as MINUSMA, has been ordered by Mali's military junta to leave the country by December 31. The withdrawal of MINUSMA from other bases has already resulted in clashes between the rebels and the national army as they vie for control over the vacated territories.
Kidal, now the eighth base to shut down in central and northern Mali, holds immense importance. Historically, it has been under the control of the rebel groups, which the junta aims to reclaim. MINUSMA confirmed its departure from the base, stating that they had destroyed equipment before leaving. They further added that the conditions of departure were extremely challenging.
The rebel movement, known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD), declared in a statement that they now have control of the areas left by MINUSMA in Kidal. Analysts have expressed concerns that this development might lead to increased conflict in Kidal, exacerbating the already precarious security situation in Mali, where various militant groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, operate.
Although the exact situation surrounding the seized base remains unclear, sources with knowledge of the events mentioned that the rebels took control of the runway shortly after the UN departed. A local resident confirmed that the rebels had taken over the camp but did not provide further details. MINUSMA stated that they are unaware of what transpired after their departure.
Mali's military authorities have expressed their concern over the UN's practice of leaving bases without transferring control to the national army. They note that this lack of handover was once again observed during the current retreat.
MINUSMA has been in operation in Mali since 2012, when Islamist militants gained control of the northern region. Violence has persisted in the country since then, necessitating the presence of peacekeeping forces. The ongoing clashes between rebel groups, Islamist militants, and the national army have further deepened instability in Mali, posing significant challenges to the country's security and development.