Mali: Clashes between CMA and GATIA in Kidal region July 26

Event

Clashes erupted between militants from the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) - an alliance of Tuareg-led separatist groups - and the GATIA armed group - part of the Platform pro-government militia coalition – in the southeast of the Kidal region, on Wednesday, July 26. Both groups have blamed each other for the clashes. According to local sources, the clashes lasted several hours and resulted in the death of several people.

Context

Clashes between the CMA and GATIA occur on a regular basis, especially for the control of Kidal city, which remains under the CMA control. A peace agreement was signed in June 2015 between the government, CMA rebels, and the Platform coalition in a bid to enhance local participatory governance and restore state authority in northern Mali. However, due to the complexity of the situation, the agreement has not yet been fully implemented.

Advice

As the security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the northern and central regions, professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.

On a separate note, due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. When going out, always carry a reliable means of communication and inform a trusted contact of where you are going and when you plan to return.