The Azawad Liberation Movement in Mali Calls for Dialogue with Turkey

The Azawad Liberation Movement (FLA) in Mali announced yesterday that it has had direct contacts with the African group and is calling for dialogue with Turkey to help resolve the country's political crisis. This request comes as Turkey is emerging as a key player in Mali.

Field Developments and Separate Goals

Mohamed Al-Maloud Ramadan, the spokesperson for FLA, stated in an interview that this separatist group is seeking to establish an autonomous government in northeastern Mali. FLA is currently fighting the Malian government alongside the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), with both groups jointly capturing cities and military bases.

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While these two groups cooperate, their goals are different: FLA seeks the independence of Azawad, while JNIM aims to overthrow the government. These collaborations have increased in the battlefields in northern and central Mali, especially in recent months.

Turkey's Role and FLA's Request for Dialogue

Ramadan added that Turkey's relations with the Malian military government have significantly developed, and the country has sold military equipment, including drones, to Mali in recent years. However, FLA urges Turkey to pay attention to the complex realities of Mali and not to view the Azawad issue solely from the perspective of the Bamako government.

He emphasized that FLA is seeking to establish channels of dialogue with Ankara and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to directly express its positions. Ramadan stated, "We do not want Turkey to choose military conflicts, but we seek to be heard and understood regarding our realities."

Given the increasing relations between Turkey and Mali, Ramadan believes that Ankara has a specific responsibility regarding this crisis and should strive for peace in Azawad through negotiation, not imposition.

Consequences of Field Cooperation with JNIM

FLA also defended its field cooperation with JNIM, emphasizing that this collaboration does not imply political unity. Ramadan acknowledged that these groups have become closer operationally due to common enemies, but their political goals remain completely different.

This operational approach is particularly evident in the coordinated attacks in April and July, where the two groups jointly targeted military objectives. Ramadan clarified that any permanent agreement must consider the political status of Azawad.

The Azawad Liberation Movement (FLA) believes that they are not seeking foreign supporters but rather partners who can contribute to a fair and sustainable political solution.

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