Context:

Coordinated attacks have been launched across Mali, including the capital Bamako, with the military saying fighting is ongoing as defence and security forces try to repel the attackers. Reports describe explosions and sustained gunfire around the Kati military base near Bamako, and attacks also cited in Gao and Sevare. It remains unclear who is behind the assaults, as the country is led by a military junta under Gen Assimi Goïta that has relied on Russian mercenaries after Western forces withdrew. The incident underscores a persistent jihadist insurgency and limited government control outside the capital, with uncertainty about immediate consequences and next steps for security and governance.

Dive Deeper:

• The Mali army stated on Saturday morning that fighting was ongoing and its forces were engaged in repelling attackers, with witnesses reporting explosions and gunfire around the Kati military base near Bamako.

• Roads in the Kati area were blocked by soldiers, and there are additional reports of attacks in the cities of Gao in the northeast and Sevare in central Mali.

• A resident traveling back to Bamako from Ethiopia noted that all flights into the city were canceled on Saturday, though it was not clear whether the airport had been affected directly.

• The attacks come as Mali remains under a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, which seized power in 2020 and has since shifted to hiring Russian mercenaries to address security threats after Western forces departed.

• Despite the junta’s efforts, the jihadist insurgency persists and large parts of the north and east of Mali remain outside government control, indicating a protracted security challenge ahead.