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Deadly drone strikes hit the town of Tinzaouatena on the border of Mali and Algeria, reigniting the debate over the increasing use of drones in African conflicts. The attacks, which killed 21 civilians, including 11 children, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, illustrate the brutality of the conflict in Mali and the geopolitical complexity of these military operations. Drones have become a central part of the African security landscape, raising critical questions about their impact and legitimacy.
A drone strike killed at least 21 civilians, including 11 children, in Tinzaouatene, Mali, near the Mali border, on Sunday. AlgeriaAccording to Malian rebels, the drones first targeted a pharmacy and then unarmed local residents. In contrast, the Malian army claims that the attacks were operations against terrorist targets. This divergence of stories illustrates the confusion and pain of the local population, who are already affected by the ongoing conflict and are the first victims of the fighting.
An increasingly complex geopolitical context
More generally, the recent drone strikes in Mali are part of an extremely complex geopolitical context, where the interests of great powers overlap with the aspirations of local actors. France, former colonial powerThe United States has deep historical and military ties with Mali. Since 2013, it has been involved in Operation Barkhane, combating jihadist groups in the region, particularly using drones for surveillance and strike operations. For its part, the United States, which has considerable interests in Africa, particularly in the fight against terrorism, supports the Malian armed forces through training and the provision of military equipment, including drones.
As Western forces withdraw, Russia and China have increased their presence in Africa in recent years, especially In the SahelMoscow has notably provided weapons and instructors to the Malian armed forces and supported armed groups such as Wagner. Russia has thereby increased its influence in the region. The recent arrival of Ukrainian soldiers is also a reminder that Russia’s conflict with Ukraine is moving away from its borders.
Multiple issues drive foreign intervention in Mali
Despite the threat posed by jihadist groups active in Mali to regional and international security, the fight against terrorism is undoubtedly no longer a priority for foreign powers. In fact, Africa is rich in natural resources, attracting major powers seeking to secure the supply of raw materials and expand their economic influence on the continent. Finally, military intervention in Mali has also become a lever for these countries, allowing them to establish influence in a rapidly changing strategic region.
Sunday’s deadly attack follows violence at the same location in late June. Malian army and Wagner Group mercenaries suffer major setback in fight against Malian rebelsThis backdrop of ongoing violence, where foreign intervention is intertwined with internal rivalries, will only heighten tensions and further complicate the search for a peaceful solution.
Proxy War
Thus, drones provided by third countries allow foreign powers to intervene remotely without endangering their citizens or soldiers. However, the increased militarization of foreign intervention still leads to a loss of sovereignty in Mali. Thus, the increasing dependence on foreign powers weakens Mali’s institutions and constraints, In conclusionthe ability of states to make sovereign decisions.
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