Mali Says Coordinated Attacks Aimed to Topple Government
On Saturday, armed groups launched simultaneous strikes in several locations, including the capital Bamako as well as Kati, Gao, Sevare, and Kidal. According to reports, the operations were claimed by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) along with the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The attacks focused on military installations, strategic infrastructure, and senior leadership figures but were ultimately pushed back by Malian forces.
While addressing journalists on Monday, which marked the beginning of national mourning for Defense Minister General Sadio Camara—killed during the violence—Maiga denounced the incidents as a direct attempt to disrupt the country’s ongoing political transition.
”It is evident that only the support of sponsors enabled these cowardly and barbaric acts,” the prime minister said, adding that the attackers sought “to sow fear and doubt... break national cohesion” and “undermine our determination.”
As stated by reports, Russia’s Defense Ministry also characterized the offensive as a failed coup attempt carried out by JNIM and the FLA against Mali’s current military-backed administration.
The April 25 attacks are considered among the most severe security crises Mali has faced in recent years, against the backdrop of a persistent extremist insurgency that began in 2012 and has since spread into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
According to reports, Malian Chief of General Staff Oumar Diarra announced on state television that more than 200 militants were killed nationwide during the clashes, with significant quantities of weapons and equipment confiscated.
Reports further indicate that the Africa Corps, a unit linked to Russia’s Defense Ministry operating in Mali, contributed air support during the fighting. This assistance helped government forces secure critical locations, including the presidential palace in Bamako, preventing them from falling into militant hands.
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