Russia has doubled down on its military commitment to Mali, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov firmly rejecting speculation about a wider withdrawal following last weekend’s devastating coordinated attacks. The vow comes as Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front issued a stark ultimatum: Russia must permanently withdraw from all positions in Mali. The FLA has also signaled ambitions to seize Gao and Timbuktu, predicting the junta’s eventual collapse. Russia’s pledge provides continued backing for Mali’s military government, with analysts predicting that Moscow’s forces will likely consolidate in the south to protect the junta. However, it remains to be seen whether this will halt the rebel advancement, especially since the coordinated assault has exposed Russia’s vulnerabilities.
RFI
