President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Mali, expressing solidarity with the Malian government, its defense and security forces, and the population. He reaffirmed that Senegal will continue to support Mali alongside sub-regional partners to restore peace and stability. Similarly, Mauritania voiced “deep concern” over the developments, reiterating its commitment to Mali’s security and stability, and emphasizing longstanding ties of fraternity and good neighborliness. These reactions align with that of the African Union, whose Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also condemned the attacks and reaffirmed support for peace efforts in the Sahel.
The attacks, claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, targeted key installations including the presidential residence, defense headquarters, and Modibo Keïta International Airport, as well as military positions in Kati, Gao and Sévaré. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad also claimed involvement, asserting control over Kidal, though this remains unverified. Malian authorities reported “several hundred terrorists” neutralized and said large-scale security operations are ongoing, insisting the situation is under control. However, tensions remain high, with a 72-hour curfew imposed in Bamako, the airport temporarily closed, and public transport disrupted, as security forces continue patrols across affected areas.
