BAMAKO, Mali – The Malian junta's desperate attempts to retain power are exacerbating a humanitarian crisis, as airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance, backed by Russian mercenaries, fail to break the rebel offensive and a crippling blockade of Bamako intensifies.

The junta's reliance on military force, including airstrikes on the northern town of Kidal, demonstrates a callous disregard for civilian lives and infrastructure. The offensive launched by the alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists in late April underscores the deep-seated grievances and systemic inequalities that fuel the conflict.

The presence of Russian-piloted helicopters supporting the Malian army highlights the continued exploitation of the region by foreign powers. These mercenaries are not agents of stability; they are instruments of oppression, prolonging the conflict and undermining the possibility of a just and equitable resolution.

The rebel offensive, marked by ambushes, car bombs, and drone attacks, is a symptom of the junta's failure to address the root causes of the conflict. The death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and the head of military intelligence further exposes the junta’s fragility and its inability to provide security for its own officials, let alone the population.

The loss of Kidal represents not only a military defeat but also a symbolic indictment of the junta's illegitimate rule. Nina Wilén, from the Egmont Institute, points to the resilience of the junta, but fails to acknowledge the immense human cost of their continued grip on power. Their 'fighting back' involves actions directly harming the Malian people.

The deployment of thousands of Russian mercenaries, first dispatched in 2021, has only intensified the conflict, creating a cycle of violence and displacement. Reports that airstrikes on Kidal damaged a house near a market and left a crater in the governor’s office courtyard indicate a reckless disregard for civilian safety and a lack of precision in military operations.

The rebel coalition's blockade of Bamako is having a devastating impact on the city's residents, cutting off essential supplies and driving up prices. The fuel blockade imposed by JNIM last year brought the junta to the brink of collapse, highlighting the vulnerability of the regime and the urgent need for a negotiated settlement.