Mali says 82 soldiers captured by armed groups have been freed
Summary
Mali has announced the release of 82 soldiers who were held captive by armed groups in the country’s north. The soldiers were freed through a process involving negotiations and are now safe under government care.Key Facts
- 82 Malian soldiers held by armed groups have been released and returned to government custody.
- The soldiers were held captive by al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
- The soldiers were captured at different times, some since 2023 and others after attacks in April 2024.
- The release was described as a humanitarian gesture by the FLA.
- About 118 other soldiers remain captive according to the FLA.
- Algeria helped mediate the release of the soldiers.
- Mali has been in conflict since 2012, involving separatist groups and jihadist armed groups.
- The current military government came to power in a 2021 coup and relies on Russian paramilitary forces after expelling French and UN peacekeepers.
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