Coordinated Attacks Across Mali
Armed groups have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, including in the capital city, Bamako, according to the country's army.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, the military reported that
"fighting is ongoing"and added that
"our defence and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attackers".
Witnesses informed the news agency of explosions and sustained gunfire early on Saturday morning near the Kati military base, a significant installation located outside Bamako. In response, soldiers have been deployed to block roads in the vicinity.
There are also reports of attacks in Gao, situated in eastern Mali, and Sevare in the central region of the country.
A resident traveling back to Bamako from Ethiopia told the BBC that all flights into the city were cancelled early on Saturday. It remains unclear whether the reported attacks have impacted the operations at the airport.
The identity of the groups responsible for the attacks has not yet been established.
The US Embassy in Mali has issued an advisory for citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel, citing explosions and gunfire near Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako and in the vicinity of Kati.
Political Context and Security Situation
Mali is currently governed by a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who initially seized power in a coup in 2020. The junta came to power with promises to restore security and counter armed groups.
When the junta assumed control, it enjoyed popular support based on its commitment to address the long-standing security crisis. This crisis was initially triggered by a separatist rebellion in the north by ethnic Tuaregs, which was subsequently overtaken by Islamist militants.
In response to the escalating insurgency, the United Nations peacekeeping mission and French forces were deployed in 2013.
Both the UN mission and French forces have since withdrawn following the junta's takeover, and the military government has engaged Russian mercenaries to combat insecurity.
Despite these efforts, the jihadist insurgency persists, with large areas in the north and east of Mali remaining outside government control.
