Introduction
In recent years, large areas of Azawad have been subjected to waves of violence and destruction as a result of the actions of terrorist groups and various occupying forces, including the Malian army and Russian Wagner mercenaries. Areas such as Menke, Kidal and Timbuktu have witnessed extensive destruction amidst the escalation of violence, which has resulted in the dispossession of the population of their lands and homes, in addition to the looting of property and mass displacement.
Menke Region: Destruction by Terrorist Groups
The Menke region, which was considered one of the vital areas of Azawad, has been subjected to extensive destruction by ISIS and terrorist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Since 2021, terrorist groups have begun carrying out military operations aimed at imposing their control over this region, where many villages and homes have been destroyed, and the population has been forcibly displaced.
Many vital facilities such as schools and health centers have been destroyed, as have religious and cultural sites. These groups blew up buildings and forcibly took control of the territory, making life in the area almost impossible. The main goal of this attack was to displace civilians and weaken any popular resistance against these groups.
Kidal region: Destruction by the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries
On the other hand, Kidal, which was considered a stronghold of the Azawad movement, has also witnessed extensive destruction by the Malian army and Russian Wagner mercenaries. Since 2021, Malian forces have sought to regain control of Kidal with the help of Russian Wagner forces, resulting in repressive practices that included indiscriminate shelling of residential areas and displacement of residents.
These forces have committed numerous documented violations, including aerial bombardment of residential areas, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries. The infrastructure in Kidal has also been completely destroyed, including roads, hospitals, and schools, making daily life in this area even more difficult. The Russian Wagner forces have been characterized by brutality in carrying out military operations, which has raised many questions about their intentions in the region.
Timbuktu region: Targeting civilians by the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries
As for Timbuktu, which is one of the oldest historical cities in the region, it has been destroyed by the Malian army and Russian Wagner mercenaries, in addition to terrorist groups. Since 2022, these forces have launched attacks on Timbuktu, targeting key infrastructure and vital facilities.
During these operations, many residential neighborhoods and commercial centers were bombed, which led to the displacement of hundreds of families from the city. Timbuktu witnessed many serious human rights violations, as private property was looted, civilians were arbitrarily detained, and torture was committed against the local population. Wagner forces worked alongside the Malian army in carrying out these operations in a coordinated manner, as the military operations were characterized by racism and ethnic cleansing against some population groups.
Impact of these attacks on the local population:
The massive destruction in the Kidal, Timbuktu and Menke regions has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians who have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing violence. These populations have lost their livelihoods and are exposed to daily threats from these military groups. In addition, local communities are suffering from serious psychological and social repercussions due to the constant fear of repeated attacks.
The reality on the ground and questions:
The continuation of military operations by the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries confirms that this conflict is not just a conflict between terrorist groups and local governments, but rather a comprehensive conflict aimed at destroying people and life in these regions. In light of these circumstances, the question arises: is remaining silent about these crimes an acceptance of the status quo, or is talking about them the only way to achieve justice?
No party can deny the truth about the destruction caused to the Azawad regions by these forces. The truth must be told, and we must raise our voices against all parties involved in the destruction of this land and its people.
Conclusion:
The destruction and mass displacement taking place in Azawad in areas such as Menke, Kidal and Timbuktu require urgent action at the international and local levels to stop these violations. The role of both the Malian army and the Russian Wagner mercenaries in this destruction must be highlighted, and an end must be put to these crimes that are becoming more deadly every day.
We need detailed and truthful reports that expose the human and political dimensions of this conflict to the world, and we continue to fight for justice and dignity for the Azawadi people.
Azawad Freedom Voice 10-03-25
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