82 Malian soldiers released by terrorist groups
82 Malian soldiers held captive by terrorist organisations in Mali have been freed by the armed groups. According to Africa News on August 13, the 82 soldiers had been held captive since the attacks in April, during which the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) took control of major cities and strategic locations, such as the Kidal region. The attacks had targeted essential military convoys and bases, as well as top officials, including the killing of the country’s defence minister.
The army described the release of the prisoners of war as the result of “rigorous planning” and deliberate efforts to secure their freedom.
This release comes after shocking images surfaced showing violence inflicted on prisoners of war captured in recent ambushes. Videos were released showing violent and brutal executions, carried out in particular by the JNIM. As a way of distancing itself from these violent images, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) released footage on July 31 showing more than 200 captured soldiers, presenting them as well-treated and receiving medical care.
The FLA is actively seeking to demonstrate its humane treatment of Malian prisoners, particularly following the July 18 attack on a military convoy in Tabrichat. The FLA declared that it had not taken part in the execution of Malian soldiers, which it said was carried out by the JNIM. The FLA further affirmed that its treatment of prisoners of war is in line with international law and human rights.
As the terrorist groups have been seizing territory from the Malian military junta led by Assimi Goïta, the Malian government has been pursuing diplomatic rapprochement with neighbouring countries, particularly Algeria, with which diplomatic relations had previously been cut off.
At the same time, the Malian military government granted a presidential pardon to a French embassy official who had been accused of spying and sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 6.
Africa News, Le Monde, Maghrebi.org
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