Tessalit

Tessalit is a village in the Adrar des Ifoghas massif of the Kidal Region, about 70 km from the Algerian border, prized militarily for a panoramic view over the surrounding Sahara. It is the site of the oldest military base built by the French colonial power in the area, which has continued to serve as a strategic garrison since — held at various points by the Malian army, French forces (during the 2013 intervention), and, more recently, Russian-backed forces, before the base was reportedly taken by an alliance of rebel and jihadist groups in 2026. Tessalit's history since 2012 has been closely tied to the broader northern Mali conflict.

Tô (a millet or sorghum porridge served with sauce) is a staple of Malian home cooking countrywide.

Sweet mint tea (attaya) is the customary drink across Mali.

• Kidal — regional capital