Mali's Goïta Takes Defense Post After Minister Killed in Attack

Mali's military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta has taken over as defense minister following the death of his predecessor, Sadio Camara, in a suicide truck bombing near the capital, Bamako. The attack was part of a broader wave of insurgent assaults across the country by an alliance of jihadists and separatist rebels.

The offensive, which began on April 25, has raised serious concerns about the strength of Goïta's military government, which came to power in a coup in August 2020. The insurgents, including the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), have made significant territorial gains, forcing Malian and allied Russian forces to withdraw from key areas such as Kidal.

The latest attacks come a day after armed fighters stormed the Kenieroba Central Prison, about 60km southwest of Bamako. The prison houses 2,500 prisoners, including at least 72 considered 'high value' by the Malian state. According to local and security sources speaking to AFP and Reuters, attacks on the villages of Korikori and Gomossogou in the Mopti region killed at least 30 people a day earlier. Three sources told Reuters that assailants hit two unnamed localities in Mopti, killing at least 50 on Wednesday.

In response to the escalating violence, Mali has partnered with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso to carry out air strikes against the insurgents. The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and expelled French troops in favor of Russian support. Despite these efforts, large parts of the region remain outside government control.

The attacks have resulted in a high civilian toll, with at least 23 people killed, including children. The insurgents have announced a blockade of Bamako in retaliation for what they call 'the population's support of the army,' though an AFP correspondent noted the blockade has only been partially effective.

In addition to the attacks on villages and prisons, civilians are caught at the height of the dry season, facing conflict over water resources. Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque highlighted that this is a flashpoint in central Mali between Fulani villagers and Dogon militia group supported by Malian forces.

The violence has led to a wave of arrests targeting former and current military officers, civil society members, lawyers, and political opposition figures accused of colluding with al-Qaeda fighters. Security sources told AFP that opposition figures Mountaga Tall, Youssouf Daba Diawara, and Moussa Djire are among those abducted.

The military prosecutor’s office claimed to have 'solid evidence' of complicity by certain military personnel in planning and executing the attacks. The UN human rights office reported concerning allegations of extrajudicial killings and abductions by security forces following the insurgent assaults.