An attack by the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM) on Mali’s capital Bamako resulted in at least 70 people being killed and hundreds more injured. The attack targeted an elite police training academy and the nearby airport, shocking and angering the West African country. According to security sources, the death toll may be as high as 100, with 255 people injured. The country has been grappling with an armed uprising for over a decade, spreading to neighbouring countries and leading to thousands of deaths and displacement of millions of people.
The attack has raised concerns about the stability of Mali, especially after the military coup in 2021 and the departure of French troops, with the country turning to Russia for security assistance. Despite claims by the military rulers that the situation has been stabilized, the attack by JNIM shows that the country is still facing significant security challenges. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its fighters had killed and wounded hundreds, including members of the Russian mercenary group Wagner. The group published videos on social media showing its fighters destroying aircraft and firing into the presidential hangar.
The attack also had a humanitarian impact, damaging a plane used by the World Food Programme for aid work in remote areas of Mali. This reduces the organization’s capacity to provide emergency humanitarian aid to civilians, considering the multiple destinations they serve in the country. The international community, including the United Nations, neighbouring Senegal, and the African Union, condemned the attack. The aim of JNIM in carrying out the attack may have been to send a message to the Malian authorities that they can strike anywhere, pushing the government to focus its resources on protecting urban areas and leaving rural areas vulnerable.
The attack underscores the ongoing security threats faced by Mali and the wider Sahel region, with armed groups continuing to operate in rural areas despite efforts to stabilize the situation. The involvement of the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM in such a high-profile attack highlights the challenges faced by the government in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The attack also raises questions about the effectiveness of the military coup in addressing security issues and the reliance on external powers for support.
The international response to the attack, including condemnation from various countries and organizations, demonstrates the global concern over the situation in Mali and the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of instability in the region. The attack on the police training academy and airport represents one of the worst incidents of violence in Mali in recent years, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing the country. As Mali grapples with internal conflict and external threats, the need for sustainable peace and security measures becomes increasingly urgent to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians.