Former rebels in northern Mali declare “time of war” with military junta
Former rebels from the Azawad Coordination Movement in northern Mali said they were in a “time of war” with the military junta that has ruled the country since 2020.
Call for residents to join the war effort
In a statement posted on social media on Monday, the coordination called on all residents of the northern Azawad region to “come to the battlefield to contribute to the war effort.”
Goal of protecting and regaining control
The coordinator added that his goal is to “protect and defend the homeland and thus regain control over its entire territory.”
Azawadi National Army’s first official document
This is the first document signed by the group calling itself the Azawadi National Army.
Background on the Coordination of Movements of Azawad
Notably, the Coordination of Movements of Azawad is an alliance of Tuareg-dominated armed groups that seek autonomy or independence from Mali.
Tensions since the overthrow of the civilian government
It is worth noting that rebel groups in northern Mali signed a peace agreement with the Malian government in 2015, but the situation has become more tense since the civilian government was overthrown in 2020 and replaced by a military junta.
Junta’s call for dialogue to restore peace
In late August, Mali’s military junta called on armed factions in the north to resume dialogue and restore a frayed peace deal amid fears of renewed fighting following the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces.