Mali has been plunged into crisis after a series of coordinated attacks targeted several military installations across the country, with reports confirming the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara at the age of 47.
His residence in Kati, a heavily fortified garrison town near the capital Bamako, was reportedly struck during the offensive, with sources saying the attack involved a car bomb. The assault formed part of a wider wave of violence that hit multiple locations simultaneously.
Security sites and military positions were attacked in Bamako, as well as in northern cities including Gao and Kidal, and the central city of Sevare. The coordinated nature of the str+kes has raised serious concerns about intelligence and security lapses within the country’s armed forces.
The attacks have been linked to fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Tuareg separatist elements under the Liberation Front of Azawad, who reportedly carried out simultaneous operations across several regions.
Camara was a key figure in Mali’s military leadership following the coups of 2020 and 2021 and was considered one of the most influential members of the ruling junta. His reported death is seen as a significant setback for the country’s armed forces.
Despite the scale of the attack, interim president Assimi Goïta is said to be safe and remains in command from a secured location.
The ongoing violence has triggered widespread concern, with international bodies condemning the attacks as instability deepens in Mali.
