Five members of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) surrendered to Malian military authorities on February 16, 2025, handing over their weapons and equipment.
The surrender comes amid ongoing tensions between government forces and separatist groups in northern Mali.
According to security sources, the five fighters were received by Colonel Seydou Bassirou Niangado, commander of the 5th Military Region and head of Sector 3 of Operation Maliko. The surrendered fighting gears included a 4×4 vehicle, a 12.7 mm machine gun, a PKM, five AK-47 rifles, and a significant quantity of ammunition.
Colonel Niangado welcomed the initiative, describing the former combatants as “misguided brothers” who had chosen to “rejoin the Republic.” He urged them to work towards peace and national cohesion and encouraged other FLA members to follow suit.
The leader of the group that laid down their arms expressed gratitude for the reception they received and affirmed their commitment to persuading other fighters to join the peace process.
“We have realised that killing fellow Malians is not the solution. Today, we stand for Mali, because we are, above all, Malians,” he declared.
However, the FLA disputed this version of events. In a statement issued on January 19, 2025, the group claimed the incident was not a surrender but an “orchestrated theft.” According to the FLA, four of its members took advantage of a leave of absence to seize a vehicle and its weapons before turning themselves in to authorities in exchange for financial compensation. The movement denounced what it called a “media spectacle” by the Malian authorities and vowed that those responsible for this “breach of trust” would be held accountable.
This surrender comes amid escalating clashes between the Malian army and separatist groups in the north. In November 2023, Malian forces retook the city of Kidal, a historic rebel stronghold, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.
Since then, military operations have intensified, exacerbating tensions and security challenges in the region.
Meanwhile, security sources report that Azawad separatists suffered losses in a battle near In-Orha. According to their accounts, out of a detachment of eight fighters, seven were killed, including field commander Abdarkhman Ag Alkhader. The group claims they were ambushed by Malian forces and their allies, leaving only one survivor who managed to retreat on his commander’s orders.
These developments underscore the complexity and volatility of Mali’s security situation, where peace efforts often collide with conflicting realities on the ground.
MD/te/sf/lb/as/APA