Mali Government Loses Control of Key Northern City of Kidal

The Malian government has lost control of the strategic northern city of Kidal, as Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries supporting them were seen withdrawing from the area. Local residents confirmed witnessing the departure of government forces and their Russian allies from the city. Kidal has been a focal point of instability in Mali's troubled northern region, where various armed groups have competed for control since a 2012 military coup destabilized the West African nation. The loss of this key city represents another setback for Mali's military government, which has relied increasingly on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries for security support since French forces withdrew from the country in 2022.