The Malian government has strongly condemned the broadcast of videos by the Arabic news channel Al-Arabiya showing Malian soldiers allegedly being held captive in Kidal following the April 25, 2026 attacks in northern Mali.
In an official statement, Bamako described the reports as “false” and accused the channel’s correspondent, Ibrahim Moustapha, of violating Mali’s sovereignty and collaborating with terrorist groups.
The controversy erupted after the Azawad Liberation Front (ALF) claimed it was holding several Malian soldiers captured during recent clashes, with footage later circulated by Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath sparking outrage across Mali.
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had lodged an official protest with Saudi authorities, warning that the broadcast could affect relations between the two countries.
The government said the publication of the videos was an attempt to undermine the reputation of the Malian Armed Forces and denounced what it called a serious breach of journalistic ethics.
Authorities also reiterated that no attack against Mali’s territorial integrity or national unity would be tolerated, as security operations continue in the country’s north amid ongoing instability and humanitarian concerns.
