Russia & Arab Azawad Liberation Front

Russia: Russia's Afrika Korps, supporting Mali's military government, suffered a setback as it was unable to prevent the fall of Mali — Kidal and had to withdraw from the city, raising questions about the effectiveness of its security partnership with Mali.

Arab Azawad Liberation Front: Arab Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-dominated rebel group, partnered with Jama at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin to carry out coordinated attacks, claiming control of Mali — Kidal and challenging Mali's military presence in the north.

Russia: Russia has provided mercenary allies to Mali, who were present at the surrendered Tessalit base, indicating Russia's involvement in the conflict and its potential reputational impact.

Arab Azawad Liberation Front: The Arab Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-dominated separatist group, along with JNIM, has successfully taken key military bases and towns, aiming to conquer northern Mali and bring down the Malian junta.

Russia: Russia is mentioned as an ally of Mali, with its mercenaries from the Wagner Group reportedly involved in anti-jihadist operations.

Arab Azawad Liberation Front: The Arab Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), an ethnic Tuareg separatist movement, participated in coordinated offensives with the Jama at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in late April, capturing towns and imposing a blockade on Bamako.