Azawad Separatists Capture Former UN Bases in Northern Mali as MINUSMA Withdraws

Azawad separatists from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MLNA) have taken control of former United Nations bases in northern Mali after blocking convoys of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries heading from the city of Gao.

The seizure of the bases comes as the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, is withdrawing its forces from the country at the demand of the Malian government.

The MLNA, which seeks independence for the northern region of Azawad, moved swiftly to occupy the UN facilities following the departure of the international peacekeepers. The group had set up roadblocks to prevent FAMa and Wagner troops from reaching the area and potentially taking over the bases themselves.

Mali's military government, which came to power in a 2020 coup, had given MINUSMA until the end of the year to pull out after a decade-long presence in the West African nation. The mission, established in 2013 to help stabilize Mali amid an Islamist insurgency and Tuareg separatist rebellion, has faced increasing tensions with the ruling junta in recent months.

Why this matters: The withdrawal of UN peacekeepers and the subsequent takeover of their bases by Azawad separatists highlights the fragile security situation in northern Mali. It raises concerns about a potential power vacuum that could be exploited by various armed groups vying for control in the region.

As MINUSMA's exit from Mali coincides with the separatists' actions, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the country. The UN recently honored two Sri Lankan peacekeepers, Majors H.W.D. Jayawickrama and K.W.M. Bandaranayake, with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal for their service and sacrifice while deployed with MINUSMA in 2018.

The Malian government has not yet officially commented on the MLNA's seizure of the former UN bases. However, the move is likely to further complicate the security landscape in northern Mali as the country grapples with the challenges posed by the peacekeepers' departure and the ongoing presence of extremist groups in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Azawad separatists seized former UN bases in northern Mali after peacekeepers withdrew.
• The MLNA group occupied the bases to prevent Malian and Russian forces from taking over.
• MINUSMA's decade-long presence in Mali ended due to tensions with the ruling junta.
• The takeover raises concerns about a security vacuum that could empower armed groups.
• The Malian government has not yet commented on the MLNA's seizure of the UN bases.