Tuareg rebels belonging to the coalition of the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP) have reportedly blocked roads in the northern part of Mali, according to a statement from the group as reported by AFP news agency.
The statement revealed that the rebel leadership has decided to "establish a complete blockade on [roads] along the directions leading from the Algerian border to the towns of Menaka, Kidal, Gao, Timbuktu, and Taudenni." The blockade covers all types of goods and vehicles and affects key population centers in northern Mali.
The reported offensive by the armed forces of Mali has led to the loss of several territories by the rebels. In November, government troops successfully took control of Kidal. Additionally, the Mali army has reportedly regained control of the town of Agelok, where a UN peacekeepers' base was previously located.
Tuareg rebels had earlier announced the resumption of armed struggle against the Malian government, marking a renewed conflict that had paused following the signing of the Algiers Accords eight years ago. The CSP includes two Tuareg structures, namely the "Coordination of Azawad Movements" and the "Platform of Algerian Movements of June 14, 2014."
In 2015, an agreement was signed in Algiers following negotiations between the rebels and the Malian authorities, bringing an end to fighting in the Tuareg-dominated north of Mali. The agreement aimed at providing greater autonomy for the northern and eastern regions, along with integrating the rebels into the Malian Armed Forces.
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Photo: Torsten Schreiber/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS