Malian Army: We Took Control of Kidal, the Stronghold of the Tuareg Rebels

Sudan Events – Sumaya Sayed 

Mali’s military has seized control of the northern town of Kidal, marking the first time the army has held the Tuareg rebel stronghold in nearly a decade, state broadcaster ORTM reported Tuesday.

“This is a message from the president of the transition to the Malian people,” journalist Ibrahim Traore said in his introduction to the ORTM news bulletin. “Today, our armed and security forces have seized Kidal. Our mission is not over.”

Mohamed Maouloud Ramadan, a rebel spokesman based in neighbouring Mauritania, confirmed the presence of the Malian military in Kidal.

Soldiers from Mali’s army, accompanied by partners from Russian military contractor Wagner, have been battling Tuareg fighters for several days to take control of the town following the departure of United Nations peacekeepers two weeks ago.