Mali: Russia Vows to Keep Forces in Mali Despite Warning From Separatists to Withdraw

Russia stated that its forces would remain in Mali to support the country's military rulers, rejecting demands from Tuareg separatists to withdraw following surprise attacks. Russian paramilitary forces, which support the military junta in power since 2020, were forced to pull out of Kidal, a strategic town, due to coordinated offensives by rebels. Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack, leading to a commemorative ceremony in Bamako.