Mali T-54B

The Malian army has been reported to possess an unknown number of T-54/55 MBTs (main battle tanks).  The usage of this collective term refers to two types that are outwardly very similar and the difficulty to distinguish visually between them.  It does not necessarily indicate the presence of both T-54 and T-55 tanks.

Analysis by the author, based upon the limited imagery available, has however identified only the presence of T-54Bs in Mali.

The only known imagery available of this type in Mali relates to footage of two events in 2010 and 2011 which show three, possibly four, separate T-54B examples

50^th Anniversary of Independence Parade, Bamako - 22 September 2010 

Three T-54B tanks took part in the parade on board tank transporters.  In common with other hardware displayed during this parade each were named after a settlement and/or local historical figure.

Three T-54Bs during the 50^th Anniversary of Independence parade.  Source: Author's Collection

"SONI ALI BER"  Source: Author's Collection

"BAKARIDIAN"  Source: Author's Collection

"BAKARIDIAN" (rear) and an unknown named example (front). Source: Author's Collection

Military Exercise/Demonstration, Kati - 20 January 2011 

Three T-54B took part in a live fire military exercise/demonstration.  Two examples from the independence parade, still retaining their display names, were involved along with a third anonymous example.

"BAKARIDIAN" Source: Author's Collection

"SONI BER ALI" Source: Author's Collection

The current operational status of any T-54Bs in Mali is unclear with no imagery to indicate their involvement in the recent conflict in the North of the country.

Mali ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"

 

Source: Reuters

Mali is known to have procured a number of ZSU-23-4 'Shilka' SPAAG (Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun) from an unknown source.

At least three units were on display during a parade in the capital Bamako on 22/09/2010, to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary of independence.

Three ZSU-23-4 on flatbed trailers during the 50th anniversary of Independence Parade, Bamako, 22/09/2010.

ZSU-23-4 on parade during the 50th anniversary of Independence parade, Bamako, 22/09/2010.  'TIRAMAKAN' is believed to refer to a 12th Century regional figure.   Military vehicles displaying the names of historical figure or settlement featured prominently in the parade

Northern Mali Conflict

The involvement of ZSU-23-4 during the Northern Mali Conflict[1] is unclear, with only a single example observed to date, deployed in the city of Konna.

On 10/01/2013 Islamic Militant Forces infiltrated the town of Konna forcing the Malian Army to retreated.  In the process the army reportedly abandoned a number of heavy weapons and armoured vehicles, including at least one ZSU-23-4.

Islamic militant forces, reportedly Ansar al-Din, in Konna,10/01/2013. Source: Sahara Media

Islamic militant forces, reportedly Ansar al-Din, in Konn,10/01/2013. Source: Sahara Media

Screenshot from archive footage of the capture of Konna, date unknown  Source: Euronews [2]

The fall of Konna prompted the French military intervention to assist the Malian Government.  Islamic militant forces in Konna were subject to French air strikes the following day and then engaged by French and Malian ground forces.  Konna was officially confirmed as recaptured on 18/01/2013.

ZSU-23-4 in Konna 26/01/2013.  Note the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher immediately behind Source: Reuters

Notes

[1] Northern Mali Conflict http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mali_conflict (accessed 03/02/2013

[2]  Mali army 'recaptures' Konna from Islamists http://www.euronews.com/2013/01/18/mali-army-recaptures-konna-from-islamists (accessed 03/02/2013)