Gunmen launched a coordinated attack in Mali, hitting the capital Bamako and several other areas across the country. The military reported that the assault involved multiple groups targeting army positions, including barracks in Bamako.
Early Saturday morning, two explosions echoed near Mali’s main military base, Kati, home to military head General Assimi Goita. Other clashes were reported in central and northern towns like Sevare, Kidal, and Gao. A witness described the scene to Reuters, saying, “There’s gunfire everywhere.” Reports indicated heavy weaponry and gunfire near Modibo Keita International Airport, prompting helicopter patrols in the area.
Experts like Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque noted that the scale of this coordinated action appears unique. He suggested there was “unprecedented panic” among military ranks, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Mali has been grappling with violence for over a decade. Extremist groups, including affiliates of al-Qaeda and ISIS, have carried out numerous attacks. The country, rich in gold and other minerals, has also faced a long history of Tuareg-led rebellions in the north.
After military coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali shifted away from France, expelling French troops and United Nations peacekeepers. In July 2022, General Goita received a five-year mandate to lead, which can be renewed indefinitely without elections.
The Wagner Group, which started working with Mali’s forces in 2021, recently transformed into the Africa Corps, now under Russia’s Defense Ministry. This shift in military alliances indicates a broader trend in the region. Mali has formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Niger, aiming for joint military efforts against extremist groups.
As of now, the situation remains tense. The country continues to navigate a complex web of internal strife and shifting international partnerships. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping the challenges Mali faces today.
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News, Conflict, Africa, Mali
