Kremlin Calls for Stability in Mali as Rebels Seize Kidal and Target Capital

April 28, 2026

The Kremlin said Tuesday it is seeking an urgent return to peace and stability in Mali as Russia's Defense Ministry warned that rebel forces had captured a key northern town and were "regrouping" for fresh attacks.

Russia's Africa Corps was forced to retreat from the town of Kidal over the weekend following coordinated strikes by Al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg separatists.

The surprise offensive targeted strategic positions held by Mali’s Moscow-backed military junta. The central government’s defense minister was killed in attacks, and Assimi Goïta, Mali's junta leader, is reportedly in hiding.

"We consider it important that the country return to a peaceful, stable course as soon as possible," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

When asked about Goïta’s current status or whereabouts, Peskov directed inquiries to Malian authorities, stating that such information "needs to be searched for in Mali, not in the Kremlin."

In a separate statement, Russia's Defense Ministry described the situation as "challenging" but maintained that Africa Corps soldiers "continue to carry out their missions and are prepared to repel further insurgent activity."

The ministry acknowledged "attempts to seize key facilities" in the capital, Bamako, including the presidential palace. It said that Africa Corps units faced "numerically superior forces" and engaged in over 24 hours of combat before withdrawing from Kidal.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko said Tuesday that Russian troops had "suffered casualties" in "strikes on many parts of the country," according to state media.

Analysts describe the current offensive as the most significant threat to Mali’s central government since 2012, when French troops stationed in the country helped the military junta defend against rebel attacks.

Since expelling France in 2022, Mali's central government has turned to Russia as its primary political and military backer.

AFP contributed reporting.

Read more about: Mali , Africa Corps , Africa

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribe Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today?
Remind me later. ×

Remind me next month