Since the capture of Kidal on April 25, the separatist rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have claimed responsibility for the capture of more than 200 Malian soldiers . While Bamako remains silent, the rebels are revealing the details of this mass detention.

A heavy toll and a series of captures

The offensive, conducted jointly with the JNIM jihadists (linked to al-Qaeda), reportedly resulted in the deaths of "several dozen" soldiers. According to the FLA, the prisoners were captured in two ways:

1. At the front: During the intense fighting of April 25th.
2. On the run: In the following days, some were found hiding among civilians or intercepted in the middle of the desert.

The group claims to have a diverse range of profiles, from simple corporals to senior officers (gendarmerie colonels, police commanders).

The fate of prisoners: Between waiting and negotiations

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the FLA, insists on the status of these detainees: they are “prisoners of war” and not hostages.

1. Conditions: The FLA assures that they are being treated well and invites international NGOs to Kidal to supervise their detention.
2. Libération: It is being considered through future negotiations, although no steps have yet been taken by the Malian transitional authorities.
3. No ransom: The rebels claim they are not demanding money for their release.

The murky role of Russian partners and the JNIM

The article highlights two crucial points regarding the alliances involved:

1. The Africa Corps (ex-Wagner): The Russian mercenaries reportedly negotiated their own safe passage out of Kidal, leaving their Malian allies behind.
2. The distinction with JNIM: Despite a joint offensive, the LAF insists it is the only group holding these 200 prisoners. "JNIM has captured no one," asserts the rebel command, seeking to distance itself from the terrorist label in its handling of the captives.

Note: In addition to this new group of prisoners, the FLA still holds around twenty soldiers captured between 2023 and 2024, as well as two Russian fighters taken during the battle of Tinzaouatène in July 2024.

Radio silence in Bamako: When contacted, the Malian army has not yet made any comment on these events or on the fate of its men.