BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — The military leader serving as Mali’s president has stepped into the role of defense minister following the death of the previous minister in devastating coordinated strikes by extremist and separatist forces that shocked the West African country, officials announced Monday.
A presidential decree broadcast on state television revealed that Assimi Goita will continue his presidential duties while simultaneously overseeing defense operations. Former military chief of staff Gen. Oumar Diarra has been appointed to serve as his deputy in the defense role.
The leadership change follows the tragic death of Defense Minister Gen. Sadio Camara on April 25, who was killed when a suicide bomber targeted his residence in Kati, a military garrison community located near Mali’s capital city of Bamako.
Kati and Bamako were among multiple locations struck by fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, known as JNIM and affiliated with al-Qaida, working alongside rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist organization led by Tuareg forces. The synchronized assault represented one of the most extensive coordinated operations the nation has experienced in more than ten years.
The extremist fighters and separatist forces successfully captured numerous strategic towns and military installations during their offensive.
Mali’s government has operated under military control since leaders seized power through a 2020 takeover, pledging to improve security conditions as extremist violence escalated. Following their rise to power, the military government shifted toward Russia for security assistance, leading to the departure of traditional partners including France and United Nations peacekeeping forces.
However, security experts indicate that Mali’s safety situation has deteriorated further since the military takeover, with unprecedented levels of attacks and civilian casualties resulting from both Islamic militant operations and government military actions.
Goita’s appointment to the defense position occurs amid rising tensions following the detention of military members, civilians, and political figures suspected of connections to the separatists and militants behind the recent attacks.
On Saturday, armed individuals kidnapped a former Malian government minister who had criticized the junta from his residence, according to family members who spoke with The Associated Press on Sunday.
JNIM fighters have escalated pressure on the military administration by establishing a blockade surrounding Bamako beginning last week, creating roadblocks and security checkpoints that restrict movement.
Transportation companies informed the AP that while the blockade initially disrupted travel across multiple routes last week, the armed groups have now focused their efforts on blocking only the connection between Bamako and the western city of Kayes, leaving other roads connecting the capital to various parts of the country mostly accessible.
