Mali Under Siege: Goita Breaks Silence After Deadly Terror Attacks Malian transitional leader Assimi Goïta has finally addressed the nation following a wave of deadly attacks that plunged the country into fresh turmoil, insisting that the security situation remains firmly under control. Goita’s televised address on Tuesday marked his first public appearance since coordinated assaults erupted over the weekend, leaving dozens dead and reigniting fears over Mali’s worsening security crisis. Describing the attacks as a moment of “extreme gravity,” the military leader assured citizens that security forces had intensified operations across affected areas and were working tirelessly to restore stability. “Security arrangements have been reinforced. The situation is under control, and clearing operations, intelligence gathering, and search efforts are continuing,” Goita declared. The attacks, launched on Saturday, targeted multiple locations, including areas near the capital, Bamako, in one of the most serious security breaches in recent months. Malian forces have been battling a coalition of Tuareg separatists and fighters linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). At least 23 people were reportedly killed during two days of fierce clashes, according to hospital sources. Among the casualties was Defence Minister Sadio Camara, a development that has sent shockwaves through Mali’s military establishment. Seeking to rally the nation, Goita urged Malians to reject division and remain united against forces threatening the country’s sovereignty. Earlier, the presidency released photographs of the leader visiting wounded soldiers and civilians, as well as meeting Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko, who reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Mali’s fight against terrorism. The latest violence has revived memories of the 2012 uprising, when Tuareg rebels and Islamist militants overran northern Mali, triggering a prolonged conflict that continues to destabilise the Sahel nation.

ByChioma NdukwuApril 29, 20261 Mins read32 Views

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