Stories from Bamako · Mali

Former US Ambassador to Mali, Paul Formsby, described the country as huge, twice the size of France, where national identity weakens significantly when traveling north of Bamako. He noted a partnership between the Azawad Liberation Front and groups involved in the 2012 coup, highlighting a distinct identity between the north and south of Mali.

The Malian government is pursuing an agreement with the United States to allow Washington to resume aerial and vehicular intelligence gathering within Malian airspace.

The Malian government is pursuing an agreement with the United States to allow Washington to resume aerial and vehicular intelligence gathering within Malian airspace. The strikes targeted several cities including Bamako, Kati, Gao, and Mopti. Coordinated attacks by jihadist groups and Tuareg fighters from the FLA destabilized the Malian state over the weekend. Airstrikes have occurred in Mali territory following attacks by Islamist militants and Tuareg separatists. The groups involved are the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg separatist organization, and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a jihadist alliance linked to Al-Qaeda. Armed forces launched coordinated military attacks across various parts of Mali, including the outskirts of Bamako. Natural sources report at least 20 people were killed during two days of fighting.

Mali's government, under President Guetta, has increasingly turned towards Russia for support, moving away from Western partnerships. This shift suggests a reduced role for Western powers in addressing the country's internal issues. Malian President Assimi Goïta has not appeared publicly for over 72 hours, fueling concerns among residents. This comes as Russian forces, who replaced French troops, withdrew from the northern city of Kidal without resistance. The situation is increasing anxiety in Mali. Russian mercenary group Africa Korps is supporting Mali's rulers, broadcasting propaganda videos during recent fighting. A civilian in Sevare, central Mali, sent a video clip to NRK showing jihadists at a headquarters outside the capital, Bamako, where they killed individuals. This move comes as armed groups have imposed an economic blockade on the Malian capital, Bamako, since January.

Malian security forces arrested Professor Avoksuma Jona Hachene Mou, president of the Democratic Party, at his residence alongside his wife. Following the arrest, police reportedly raided the headquarters of the African Party for Peace and Social Justice, causing property damage. Coalition spokespeople are meeting urgently to address the incident. Security forces arrested GK party president Professor Avocs Majona Hachenemou and his spouse at their family home on Saturday morning. The arrests follow a Supreme Court ruling two days ago that dissolved the organization and declared its activities illegal nationwide. The government spokesperson, Gassim Chérif, stated the arrests are due to the group's failure to comply with the law. The organization had called for a protest march prior to the crackdown.

Russian Wagner Group mercenaries and Malian armed forces prevented an attempt to seize the presidential palace this weekend. Insurgents successfully recaptured Kidal and carried out attacks in Gao, Bourem, and Al Gao during coordinated weekend strikes in northern Mali. Coordinated attacks focused on northern Mali this weekend allowed insurgents to recapture the town of Hidal. Attacks were also carried out in Gao, Boreh, and Agilhok, which serve as northern strongholds. The incident follows a reported explosion that killed the Malian Defense Minister. At least 185 people have died in recent operations involving various states. The Malian president appeared publicly on Tuesday alongside the Russian ambassador in Bamako. Malian defense forces faced attacks from several armed groups including Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.

Coordinated attacks targeted military barracks and infrastructure in Bamako, including areas near the airport, as well as Gao, Sévaré, and Kadiolo. The jihadist group JNIM claims responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali, including strikes targeting the homes of the President and the Defense Minister. The group is an affiliate of the al-Qaeda network and has sought to establish a stronghold in the Sahel and Sahara regions since 2012. These attacks follow a period of ongoing destabilization in the country by Islamist militants. Coordinated attacks targeted several locations in Mali including Kidal, Gao, Kati, and Bamako. The scale of the violence remains under assessment following the multi-city strikes. The strikes occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Local authorities are responding to the multiple sites of conflict.

Heavy explosions and gunfire occurred near Bamako, the capital of Mali, on Saturday. The violence involves ongoing fighting between the government and armed groups in the West African nation. Local authorities are monitoring the situation following the reported strikes. Witnesses in Bamako, Mali, reported intense gunfire exploding in the capital city. The specific cause or casualties of the shooting have not yet been confirmed. The event occurred in central West Africa. The ruling military junta continues to battle militants in several cities across the country. Mali has faced long-term jihadist insurgencies from groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Additionally, Tuareg separatist groups in the north continue to seek an independent state. The security situation remains volatile as the military attempts to maintain control.

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Mali authorities have announced a plan to recruit 100,000 civilians by the end of the year to support the military against jihadist groups.