Tuareg rebels claim control of Kidal in northern Mali
via SeneNews2 min read
The Malian Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front FLA announced on Saturday that they have taken control of Kidal, a key city in northern Mali. The FLA stated on Facebook that their forces control Kidal, and their spokesperson, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, told AFP that the governor of Kidal and his elements have taken refuge in the former MINUSMA camp. Kidal was previously occupied by the Malian army and Russian soldiers. The FLA, a coalition of Tuareg-dominated armed groups formed in November 2024, claims the territory of Azawad in the north of the country. The group had lost control of several northern localities in late 2023 following an offensive by the Malian army and Russian mercenaries, which led to the capture of Kidal. The Malian army reported ongoing clashes since early Saturday on the outskirts of the capital Bamako and in several other locations, including Kidal, between soldiers and "terrorist groups" who attacked barracks. Intense gunfire was also heard Saturday in Kati, near Bamako, where the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta is located.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadThe Malian Armed Forces FAMa announced that they repelled simultaneous terrorist attacks in several parts of the country on Saturday, April 25. According to a statement from the General Staff of the Armies, armed terrorist groups attempted attacks in various towns on the morning of April 25, 2026. These assaults were immediately met with violent setbacks due to the professionalism and commitment of the FAMa. Military authorities reported that several terrorists were neutralized and equipment was destroyed. They also confirmed that mopping-up operations are ongoing and the situation is under control. The General Staff urged the public to remain calm and vigilant regarding information circulating on social media, requesting that they avoid sharing content that could fuel general anxiety and instead rely exclusively on official channels for reliable information.
Senegal national team forward Chérif Ndiaye discussed his club career and the national team's recent performance, including the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In an interview, the Samsunspor player reflected on the competition in Morocco, describing it as a strong human experience with a close-knit group. He specifically recalled a key moment in the 97th minute of the intense final. Ndiaye expressed frustration over the Confederation of African Football's decision to award the title to Morocco, stating that while he recognizes the official ruling, he believes Senegal remains the true champion on a sporting level. Individually, the former Red Star Belgrade top scorer quickly integrated into Samsunspor after joining in September 2025, feeling he has advanced technically and in managing crucial match moments. Chérif Ndiaye now aims to be a leader for younger players in the national team. The Lions are focused on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with the goal of representing Senegal with pride. He believes the CAN experience, despite the disappointment, has strengthened the group mentally, making them more determined to write a new chapter in their history.
BreakingOn Saturday, April 25, 2026, fighting was reported on the outskirts of Mali's capital, Bamako, and in several other locations across the country. The Malian army announced in a statement that it was engaged in combat with "terrorist groups" that had attacked barracks and other targets. Witnesses reported assaults in various areas. The army stated that "unidentified armed terrorist groups" targeted points and barracks in the capital and interior early that morning. A Bamako resident attempting to reach the airport for a flight was turned back due to a military deployment, describing high tension and armed soldiers who appeared to be in a panic. Access to the airport area was strictly controlled. An AFP journalist observed deserted streets in Bamako and heard intermittent explosions around 9:00 AM local time, particularly near the 101 Senou base, which is close to the airport. Helicopters were also seen circling above the capital near the airport. Intense gunfire was also heard in Kati, a town near Bamako that houses the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta, according to witnesses, a security source, and an elected official. Residents of Kati and the airport area posted images on social media showing homes damaged by explosions. Attacks were also reported in Gao, Kidal, and Sévaré. Mali, a Sahelian country led by a junta that came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, has faced over a decade of conflict and jihadist violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and
Must ReadThe United States Embassy in Mali has advised its citizens to shelter in place following reports of explosions and gunfire in Bamako and its surroundings on Saturday, April 25. A message posted on the diplomatic mission's X account stated that these incidents were reported near Kati and the Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako. US citizens are urged to remain where they are and avoid traveling to these areas until further information becomes available. This alert follows multiple reports of detonations and gunfire in various parts of the Malian capital, particularly near the airport.