Stories from Bamako · Mali

Prime Minister Abdullah Imaïga visited wounded military personnel on Monday. He addressed the press to pay tribute to Defense Minister Sadio Kamara, who died following a suicide attack. Imaïga attempted to reassure the population regarding the situation. General Asimi Goïta has not made a public statement following the incident and remains in Bamako.

France's withdrawal and subsequent obstacles imposed by ECOWAS, along with the military council's indefinite extension of its mandate, have created a critical situation. The collapse of an agreement intended to grant autonomy to Azawad and Tuareg people in northern Mali has widened the path for armed operations.

Jihadists previously besieged the capital of Mali, Bamako, in October and November, disrupting fuel supplies and worsening the country's already precarious economic conditions. An attack near Bamako in early 2024 reportedly killed several people, including Russian contractors. A jihadist blockade is tightening around Bamako, creating disruption to everyday life for Malians. The siege is described as a confrontation between jihadist forces and the military government. Analysts suggest the pressure could provoke an internal political crisis or a coup to install a government more amenable to jihadist goals. Russian interests are also noted as being involved in the regional dynamics.

Malian military leader General Assimi Goïta has not appeared publicly since the start of hostilities, raising concerns among residents. Questions have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Malian General Assimi Goïta following a series of coordinated attacks on Saturday. The attacks targeted the Kati camp near Bamako and six other towns. The source noted that Goïta has been absent from the garrisoned city since the attacks began. Thierry Virepoulon of the French Institute of International Relations noted that Goïta's absence from the funeral of the killed Minister of Defense in Kati would indicate a problem. In Bamako, detonations were heard during the night, though no serious injuries were reported. While markets and shops are reopening, banks remain closed, possibly as a security measure, according to correspondent Serge Daniel.

Maudibo Kone, the head of Mali's intelligence services, was reportedly injured by a bullet during an attack and transported to a clinic in Bamako. However, analysts consider this outcome unlikely. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. ECOWAS stated that the alliance threatens the entire sub-region and expressed solidarity with the Malian people. The African Union also recalled its commitment to security, good governance, and stability in Mali. The European Union reaffirmed its determination. This incident follows reports of simultaneous attacks hitting multiple Malian cities. This incident represents a escalation of violence in the region. Security forces are responding to the attacks.

The African Union and the European Union have issued a joint statement condemning terrorism and reaffirming their commitment to security and stability in Mali. Algerian Foreign Minister Armé D'attaf also reacted to the events, reiterating Algeria's position regarding the Aibraïm dossier. The French government called for the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the country. Mali's Prime Minister called on Algeria to cease supporting international terrorism and to instead promote regional peace and security. The Prime Minister's remarks at the UN General Assembly follow attacks in September that Mali claims were supported by Algeria. Russian African Corps instructors reportedly prevented the coup from succeeding by destroying enemy forces. The source stated that the militants' preparations involved participation from Ukrainian and European mercenaries.

General Sadio Kamara, described as the architect of Mali's military strategy, is seen as the 'man of Moscow' in Bamako. Violence flared up over the weekend with a wave of coordinated attacks across the country. The country has been under military rule since 2020. The country has been plagued by armed rebellions from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State Group since 2020. Despite increased security operations, violence flared up again this weekend. The attack occurred during an offensive launched by Al-Qaeda and northern secessionists against civilian and military targets. Military sources and family members confirmed the death. Two military sources and two relatives provided details. Details regarding the perpetrators and the specific circumstances of the attack are still emerging.

Niger and Burkina Faso issued a joint communiqué denouncing what they describe as a conspiracy. The assault involved coordination between Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked extremist groups. This escalation follows reports of increased instability across the Sahel region, including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Explosions were reported near the Kati military base, a strategic location near the capital. The United Front of Azawad claimed full control of a city during the offensive. Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for attacks in the region following the reported death of the Malian Defense Minister. The JNIM and Al-Qaeda affiliated groups launched simultaneous attacks in Mali. This marks the first instance of these two specific alliances striking together on Malian territory since 2012.

Mali Defense Minister Celestin Simpore presented a bill to recruit and train 100,000 reservists by the end of the year. The reserve will consist of two categories of personnel, including a group with existing military experience. This initiative aims to strengthen the fight against terrorist groups. The proposal was discussed during a recent council of ministers meeting.

Malian interim president Assimi Goïta has gone missing since fighting began on Saturday. The exact status of the President remains unconfirmed as combat continues. Militants using a suicide truck attacked the residence of the Malian Defense Minister, resulting in his death. The attack also targeted the home of General Assimi Goïta and a local mosque, causing civilian casualties and property damage. Residents in Mopti reported a state of shock following the violence. While calm returned to the area on Sunday, locals are calling for increased military security to stabilize the region. Reports indicate Goïta was in the Kati area near Bamako in a military convoy. The disappearance occurs amid ongoing military activity in the region. Local populations in Mopti are expressing shock over recent events. Militant groups are reportedly conducting a series of attacks across multiple localities.