Kathmandu— Eighty-two Malian soldiers previously held prisoner by armed groups in the country’s north have been released to government authorities, according to a statement from the Malian army. The soldiers were reportedly captured during attacks carried out in April by both al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The release follows a process initiated immediately after their capture, with authorities confirming the soldiers are now safe and under their care.

Background of Captivity

The Malian army announced the release on Thursday via state television, stating that the freed soldiers had been held hostage since attacks in April. JNIM and FLA jointly claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated assaults on April 25 targeting Bamako’s airport and other locations, including an attack which resulted in the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The groups also carried out attacks on army positions across Mali on July 4.

Conflicting Accounts of Release

The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) independently stated that it had released approximately 80 Malian soldiers captured between 2023 and 2026, a figure differing from the army’s claim that all 82 were held since April. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the FLA, explained the release was motivated by “strictly humanitarian” reasons. He also indicated that approximately 118 other soldiers remain in their captivity.

Mediation and Regional Involvement

A source within Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed to AFP news agency that Algeria played a key role in mediating the release of the soldiers. This highlights Algeria's ongoing involvement in efforts to stabilize the region and facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties. The situation underscores the complex web of alliances and conflicts present in northern Mali.

Ongoing Conflict and Political Landscape

Mali has been embroiled in a civil war since 2012, originating from a Tuareg separatist rebellion that subsequently evolved into armed campaigns by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL. The country is currently under military rule following a 2021 coup, with the junta pledging to restore order and national unity. JNIM has reportedly gained strength since French forces and UN peacekeepers were expelled from Mali, leading the government to seek support from Russian paramilitaries.

The release of these soldiers represents a rare positive development in Mali’s ongoing conflict, though approximately 118 Malian soldiers remain held by armed groups. The situation remains volatile as JNIM and FLA continue to operate despite their differing ideologies.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.