Malian soldiers released in exchange with Tuareg rebels

This release was part of an exchange for at least eight FLA fighters, according to a security source. A spokesperson for the FLA, Attaye Ag Mohamed, stated the exchange was for "detained civilians" held by the junta, some for five years. The FLA, in alliance with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM, has intensified attacks against the Malian army and the ruling junta since spring.

Coordinated attacks in April by the JNIM and FLA targeted strategic positions, including near the capital Bamako, leading to the death of the Minister of Defense, General Sadio Camara, and the capture of several soldiers. Further attacks in July also resulted in more military captures. This recent release follows the liberation of 82 other soldiers in August, who had been held since April by jihadists and their Tuareg rebel allies, and six wounded Malian soldiers on August 16.

Additionally, two former fighters from the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, captured in July 2024 during clashes in Tinzaouatène, were released on Thursday. Africa Corps, which replaced Wagner, confirmed the release of "Russian nationals detained" by the FLA and JNIM coalition. Mali, governed by a military junta since 2020 and 2021, has faced a severe security crisis since 2012 and has strengthened ties with Russia, whose paramilitary forces assist in anti-jihadist