In Mali, a very fragile calm has returned to Bamako and Kati on Monday, near the capital, after two days of particularly violent clashes between the Malian army and allied jihadist groups with Tuareg separatists. These clashes, of unprecedented scale in several years, have plunged the country into a new phase of political and security uncertainty.
Everything changed on Saturday, with a series of coordinated attacks against strategic positions of the ruling junta. According to authorities and multiple sources, these offensives were led by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, in connection with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), a Tuareg separatist rebellion active in the north of the country.
The latest official toll communicated by authorities dates back to Saturday evening. It reported 16 injuries, including both civilians and military, along with “limited material damage”. However, given the intensity of the clashes, the actual number of victims could be much higher, especially among civilians.
Malian Defense Minister killed: A central figure in the ruling junta since the 2020 coup, Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed on Saturday, April 25 during the attacks on Kati, according to an official statement. Authorities said his residence was targeted by a vehicle rigged with explosives driven by a suicide bomber.
General Camara was wounded and then taken to the hospital where he “unfortunately succumbed,” the statement said, adding that he will receive “national funerals.”
At 47 years old, Sadio Camara was considered one of the strongmen of the military regime. His disappearance is a significant political and symbolic blow to the current government.
On the other hand, General Assimi Goïta, leader of the junta, has not been seen and has not spoken since the start of hostilities. A Malian security source told AFP that he “was exfiltrated from Kati on Saturday and is safe”, but several observers are surprised by his silence.
Russian mercenaries caught in the crossfire: Over the weekend, FLA rebels, a separatist group claiming the territory of Azawad in northern Mali, claimed “total” control over the key town of Kidal. Russian mercenaries in the region, now under the banner of Africa Corps after Wagner’s withdrawal, found themselves in a very delicate position as allies of the junta.
According to several local sources cited in the transcript, an agreement was reached to allow their withdrawal from the city, with a departure planned through Libya. The Tuareg rebels released a video showing the departure of troops, cheered on by armed men, from Camp 2. The FLA also claimed to have taken control of several positions in the Gao region in northern Mali.
This development highlights the weakening of the security apparatus set up by the junta with Moscow’s support. It also underscores the inability of Malian authorities, despite Russian assistance, to sustainably control strategic areas in the north of the country.
JNIM declares “victory”: JNIM, which has been fighting against the military junta in Bamako for years, declared “victory” on Saturday evening. It takes responsibility for the assaults on Saturday targeting “the seat of Malian President Assimi Goïta, the seat of Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara, the international airport” in Bamako, and “military sites in the town of Kati.”
The Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), a movement to which influential Malian imam in exile Mahmoud Dicko belongs, stated in a press release on Sunday that Mali was “in danger.” The junta “promised Malians security, stability, and the return of the state. Today, these symbols are under attack,” according to the CFR.
