After Islamists led a successful offensive across Mali, Russian forces withdrew, while junta forces failed to stop the assaults. Not only did the Islamists successfully disrupt multiple cities, but they also killed the country’s defense minister and gained territory in northern areas. The assault puts the junta’s power in jeopardy, especially given Russia’s disengagement.
What next for Mali’s military leaders after shock of rebel offensive? – BBC– news.google.com
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EXCERPT:
It is hard to overstate the sense of shock reverberating across West Africa after attackers, in co-ordinated assaults, managed to enter Mali’s capital, Bamako, assassinate the defence minister and seize control of northern areas.
Residents in different cities across the country woke to gunfire and explosions on Saturday – attacks which an alliance of two groups – the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM group – said they were behind.
The scale of the offensive and the withdrawal of Malian and Russian forces from the northern city of Kidal, now under FLA control, have fuelled doubts about the strength of the military government led by Col Assimi Goïta, who came to power in a coup in August 2020.
It has taken Goïta several days to make an appearance since the offensive, prompting questions about the junta’s future, as well as the role of Russian forces deployed in Mali and neighbouring countries to tackle the security threat.
- What next for Mali’s military leaders after shock of rebel offensive? BBC
- Mali military leader Goita emerges as Russia declares it halted coup Al Jazeera
- Mali leader says situation under control in first speech since attacks Reuters
- Mali Rebels Strike Major Blow Against Junta and Russia’s Africa Corps The New York Times
- Major blow to Putin in Africa as Russian forces driven from Mali stronghold by separatists, jihadists Fox News
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