For many years, Mali has been grappling with a profound security and political crisis, making the pursuit of lasting peace increasingly challenging.

The security landscape is particularly volatile, marked by persistent attacks from jihadist and separatist armed groups. A recent and significant incident occurred on April 25, when the capital, Bamako, suffered a major assault. This tragic event resulted in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, among others, underscoring the severe threats facing the nation.

Concurrently, Mali faces a deep political crisis. The activities of political parties have been suspended, and military authorities have maintained an unchallenged grip on power since the coups d’état in 2020 and 2021, further complicating efforts towards national stability and democratic governance.

A pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict was the recapture of Kidal in November 2023 by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), supported by Russian paramilitaries from the Wagner Group. This strategic city had been under the control of rebel groups since 2012. The offensive effectively signaled the collapse of the 2015 Algiers Accord, an agreement designed to foster peace and reconciliation between the Malian government and northern separatists.

Confirming the accord’s demise, the Malian government officially announced its “immediate termination” on January 25, 2024. With the Algiers Accord abandoned, a full-scale resumption of hostilities became inevitable. On April 25, 2026, separatist forces from the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA) and the Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (JNIM) launched coordinated attacks across several cities, including Bamako, and swiftly reclaimed control of Kidal.

For a deeper understanding of these developments and their implications for Mali’s peace efforts, we turn to expert analyses from Étienne Fakaba Sissoko of the CFR, Gilles Yabi of WATHI, and sociologist Mohamed Abdellahi Elkhalil.