Days after armed groups launched large-scale attacks on Malian Armed Forces’ bases, military ruler Assimi Goita on Tuesday said the situation was “under control”, with Russian security forces providing air support to prevent rebels from capturing key positions, including the presidential palace in capital Bamako.But the security situation in the West African nation remains volatile, as the government has struggled to take back control of towns and cities from Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked fighters, who have pledged to launch a total siege of Mali’s capital.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSaturday’s massive coordinated offensive in multiple cities, including Bamako, stunned the region. Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed and several cities, including the northern city of Kidal, were seized by the fighters. The Malian military government said it killed more than 200 attackers.Analysts are questioning the effectiveness of Bamako’s military partnership with Russia after reports emerged that Russian forces withdrew from the northern city of Kidal. Mercenary fighters under the Russian government-owned Africa Corps group had been fighting alongside the Malian military in Kidal.On Monday, Africa Corps confirmed that its forces had withdrawn from Kidal, but stated that the decision was made jointly with the Malian government.Conflict analysts and Malians on social media are now questioning the strength of Russian defence support to Sahel countries, including military-led Burkina Faso and Niger, which have s …
