AES condemns Mali terror attacks, reaffirms support as AU backs Bamako

Africa, Crime Diary

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (NPA) — The President of the Confederation of Sahel States, Ibrahim Traoré, has issued a communiqué following the large-scale terrorist attacks carried out across the Republic of Mali on April 25, 2026.

The attacks were reportedly carried out by militants linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), alongside Tuareg separatist fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

In the statement signed on April 25, Traoré said the assaults targeted multiple locations across Malian territory and were part of a broader pattern of aggression against the Sahel bloc in its pursuit of sovereignty.

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He noted that the scale, coordination, logistics, and weaponry deployed indicated that the attacks were long planned, with the objective of inflicting heavy casualties on defence and security forces while spreading terror among civilian populations in Mali and across the Sahel.

According to the communiqué, the persistence of such “barbaric and inhumane” attacks suggests the involvement of forces opposed to the Sahel’s liberation efforts under the AES framework.

However, the statement said the attackers’ objectives were ultimately thwarted by the “professional, courageous and determined” response of the Malian Armed Forces, which successfully repelled the assaults.

The AES emphasised that the attacks would not weaken the resolve of Sahelian states, stressing that the peoples of the region remain committed to living in freedom, peace, and dignity despite ongoing security challenges.

The bloc extended condolences to families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while expressing “full, unconditional and fraternal solidarity” with the Malian people, government, and armed forces. It also paid tribute to the troops for their role in neutralising the attackers.

The communiqué further conveyed appreciation to partner states and allies for their support, reaffirming the confederation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in the face of security threats and continuing its pursuit of sovereignty and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemned the attacks, warning that such violence risks exposing civilian populations to significant harm.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting peace, security, good governance, and stability in Mali, and expressed full solidarity with the Malian people, security forces, and national authorities.