Goïta doubles as defence minister, orders probe into attacks

Mali’s Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, has taken over as Defence Minister as the military government rejigs to repel the armed groups exacerbating instability.

The move followed the April 25 killing of the former minister Sadio Camara and members of his family after a car laden with explosives was driven into their residence.

According to a decree read on state TV on Monday, General Oumar Diarra, Mali’s army chief of staff, ⁠will serve as Minister Delegate for Defence.

The government based the “strategic decision” on the security circumstances it described as “‌sensitive.” The capital, Bamako, remains on high alert.

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Several people died in the coordinated attacks executed by hundreds of terrorists and rebels, who stormed Bamako Senou International Airport, a nearby military base, and other locations.

Fighters from JNIM – Al-Qaeda’s branch in the Sahel region – and the Azawad Liberation Front, an ethnic Tuareg separatist movement, teamed up against the junta and mercenaries.

Malian authorities are investigating the involvement ⁠of serving and recently dismissed officers, and politicians, including Oumar Mariko, a prominent figure in exile, who denies jihadist links.

The public prosecutor of the Military Court already confirmed the “first arrests,” adding that “all other perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices are actively being sought.”

The late Camara had been coordinating with Moscow on stronger ties. Russia condemned the attacks in the Malian capital and the neighbouring regions, including Mopti, Gao and Kidal.

The Defence Ministry warned that the terrorist activity poses a direct threat to the stability of the West African nation and “could have the most serious consequences for the entire region.”

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Expressing deep concern about the situation, Russia declared its full support for Mali, which it noted is taking significant steps to eliminate the militia.