Stories from Mali

Loyalist media reports suggest Russian Africa Corps militias may be operating out of the garrison city of Kidal.

Mali's transitional president, Assimi Goïta, stated in a televised address on the evening of April 28 that the current security situation is under control. The incidents targeted Mali's main army base and the area near the Bamako airport. Goita vowed to neutralize those responsible for the attacks. Hunger experts reported that approximately 8 million people in South Sudan face acute food insecurity in the coming months, affecting two thirds of the population and putting four regions at risk of famine. General Assimi Goïta appeared on national television yesterday evening after several days of silence. France continues to advise its citizens against traveling to the country. Mali junta leader General Assimi Goïta appeared on public television station ORTM at 8:00 PM yesterday. The appearance follows several days of absence that led to speculation regarding his ability to remain in power.

Field sources reported civilian and military casualties following attacks in the city of Kati. The deaths occurred within the context of ongoing military council activity in the area. The exact number of deaths has not been specified by the reporting sources.

Armed militants from the Azawad movement launched attacks near the capital of Mopti. The strikes targeted sites near the city of Kati, which is a military stronghold. Field sources reported that the attacks resulted in casualties among both civilians and military personnel.

Mali's transition president, General Assimi Goïta, delivered a national address to honor the country's armed forces. During the address, Goïta attempted to reassure the population regarding the current situation. The speech followed reports regarding the reappearance of Zawad, a leader of an insurgent group. The opposition has denounced a proposed electoral code reform, claiming the law is specifically designed to ensure the eligibility of the ruling party leader. Mali's transition president promised that armed forces will continue operations until security is durably restored across the entire national territory. He said that a national surge is indispensable to continue the fight against terrorism. The president also praised the quality of cooperation with strategic partners.

Groups attacking Bamako have reportedly entered Benin, which borders Nigeria. The West African nation has faced insecurity for over a decade following a 2020 military coup. The country has recently utilized Russian-backed mercenaries for support, according to the report. The strikes targeted the capital, Bamako, and a town north of the capital housing the Moscow-backed junta. Rebel militants have taken control of the northern Malian city of Gidal. Footage shows militants celebrating the takeover. Malian soldiers and Russian Africa Corps fighters were seen retreating from the city. Minister General Sadio Kamara, his wife, and his grandchildren were killed. Following negotiations for a retreat, trucks containing Malian soldiers and Russian fighters were observed leaving the city they were assigned to defend.

Al Qaeda-linked jihadists and Tuareg separatists have claimed control of the city of Qaddaal in northeastern Mali. Security analyst Ulf Lesing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation stated in Cairo that returning to Bamako is currently not an option. The allied militant forces are reportedly gaining ground in the region. The situation remains described as a complicated picture. The region previously hosted French and UN Security Forces that supported the former government. Following a 2021 coup that brought the military junta to power, these international forces were expelled. The Russian mercenary group Afrika Korps has since departed the area.

Reports indicate field coordination between certain Azawad factions and Nasratite groups in Mali. This coordination involves activities near the Niger border. The security crisis in the region is escalating following attacks on various sites.

The Malian government released several photos to address rumors regarding the status of leader Colonel Assimi Goita. Colonel Assimi Goita issued a video message addressing the public in Mali regarding ongoing security struggles. Goita called on Malians to show confidence in the armed forces and security forces engaged in a struggle against terrorism. Colonel Assimi Goita appeared on state television late Tuesday to address the nation. The appearance follows a noticeable absence from public view. Goita's office released photos of the leader in military fatigues wearing a mask that covers most of his face. The released images show him sitting with Russia's ambassador to Mali. Senior analyst Beverly Oicheng of Control Risks Consultancy in Dakar, Senegal, provided commentary on the event. Russian paramilitary forces are reportedly providing extra help to the government.

Malian President Assimi Goïta reappeared on Tuesday after being absent following attacks on Saturday. Mali's transition president, Asim Goïta, delivered a national address yesterday to call for unity and reassure the public. Moscow stated that jihadist attacks enabling the capture of Kidal resulted in casualties among Russian mercenaries. The situation in Mali is linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to the report. Colonel Assimi Goita appeared on state television late Tuesday for the first time following a period of absence. Goïta was previously believed to be missing during the unrest. He is reportedly under the protection of a Turkish mercenary guard. The source noted uncertainty regarding his capacity to resume full control of the government. The appearance follows attacks by militants linked to ISIS in the region last week.