BAMAKO — Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta has made his first public appearance since a series of coordinated attacks earlier this week, pledging to “eliminate” armed groups responsible for the violence and urging public support for ongoing military operations.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Goïta called on citizens to remain calm and trust the security forces, saying operations would continue until militant groups were fully “neutralized.”
The attacks, described as among the most significant in recent years, targeted military installations, key towns, and areas near the capital Bamako. The assaults were reportedly carried out by groups linked to Al-Qaeda-affiliated networks as well as separatist factions operating in the north.
The violence caused heavy casualties and further heightened concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the West African nation, which has faced a long-running insurgency.
Goïta’s appearance comes amid growing fears that armed groups are expanding their reach, particularly in northern regions where clashes have intensified in recent months.
While the military authorities have said the situation is under control, independent reports suggest that fighting continues in several areas, with ongoing operations aimed at regaining lost territory.
The latest unrest underscores the persistent instability facing Mali’s transitional military government, which has struggled to contain extremist violence despite repeated military campaigns and shifting security alliances.
