Mali Junta Regains Control of Kidal Stronghold

Mali's army has recaptured the strategic northern town of Kidal, a stronghold of Tuareg-dominated separatist groups. The capture of Kidal is a symbolic success for the ruling junta, which seized power in 2020. Violence has escalated in the region as the UN stabilisation mission withdraws, triggering a race for control. The rebels have admitted losing their stronghold but vow to continue fighting. The junta aims to restore territorial sovereignty, as the state has been virtually absent from Kidal for years. The UN mission's withdrawal deadline is December 31.