On Monday 22 July, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) took control of the town of In-Afarak, some 122km north-west of the Kidal region.

The announcement was made on the same day by the Armed Forces Directorate of Information and Public Relations (Dirpa), on its digital platforms.

‘The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the national public that on Monday 22 July 2024, units of the FAMa took control of the locality of Ib-Afarak located approximately 122km to the north-west, in the Kidal region’, the document states.

It should be remembered that the In-Afarak area is a very important commercial crossroads, favourable to several types of trafficking. This vigorous action by our troops is part of the defence of the national territory and the protection of people and their property.

More than ever, the FAMa units are seeking out and destroying the mafia-like coalition of armed groups responsible for abuse and extortion of the peaceful population.The document condemns the setting up of illegal checkpoints on the main roads restricting the freedom of movement of transporters.

The Army's high command reassures that the safety of the population remains a priority and that the FAMa units will continue similar actions until the population's freedom of movement is guaranteed.

Aissata Cissé.