Mali/Takeover of In-Afarak: Wassim NASR downplays the FAMa’s achievements

On Monday, July 22, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) announced the successful recapture of the locality of In-Afarak, situated in the Kidal region near the Algerian border, from rebel groups. This achievement marks a significant step in their ongoing mission against terrorism and the reclamation of the  territory of Mali.

This success follows the withdrawal of foreign forces, including French, European, and American troops.

With new strategic partnerships, Mali, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger, has enhanced its military capabilities with advanced equipment, enabling a more effective response to insurgent threats.

This progress has not been well-received by former partners who previously supported armed terrorist groups in the Sahel and West Africa.

As a result, the accomplishments of the Malian forces are often downplayed or wrongly attributed to the Wagner Group.

French journalist Wassim Nasr, who has been criticized for his ties to terrorist factions, echoed this narrative.

On Tuesday, July 23, Nasr claimed on a French news channel that the recapture of In-Afarak was merely a matter of hours and suggested that the Malian army and Wagner forces were only there to destroy the locality without establishing control.

He alleged that terrorist groups returned to the area after the Malian soldiers left.

Nasr also accused the Malian forces of committing abuses, overlooking the atrocities committed by French troops against Malian civilians on their own soil.

Despite more than a decade of alleged support against terrorism, these foreign forces were criticized for causing damage and looting rather than delivering effective assistance.

Their hasty departure has led them to undermine a sovereign nation that has chosen to take control of its own destiny.

Neil CAMARA