The Malian government has extended the curfew in the Kayes region for an additional 30 days, from August 1 to 30, 2025, following coordinated attacks on several towns in western Mali. The curfew, announced by regional governor Brigadier General Moussa Soumaré, is in effect nightly from midnight to 5 a.m., restricting the movement of people and vehicles, except for security forces and authorized ambulances.
This measure was initially implemented after a series of attacks on July 1, attributed to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), which targeted military positions near the Senegalese border, including Kayes, Sandaré, and Nioro du Sahel.
According to the Malian army, over 80 fighters were neutralized and weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles were seized, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
The violence caused infrastructure damage, disrupted trade in border communities, and forced some residents to flee temporarily.
Governor Soumaré emphasized the curfew’s role in maintaining order and supporting ongoing military operations.
The attacks signal a concerning shift, as this western region—previously less affected by jihadist activity—now faces growing insecurity that could potentially spill into neighboring Senegal.
