Prime Minister Maïga speaks on terror attacks as Mali observes national mourning

Africa

BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The Prime Minister of Mali, General Abdoulaye Maïga, today held a press conference on the April 25, 2026 terrorist attacks, as the country enters the second day of a two‑day national mourning period declared by the President of the Transition. The mourning honours late General Sadio Camara alongside military and civilian victims of the coordinated assaults across several localities.

Maïga paid tribute to the memory of the deceased, saluting both civilian and military victims, and wished the wounded a swift recovery. He said the Malian nation was plunged into grief by simultaneous terrorist attacks, stressing that such “cowardly and barbaric acts” were only possible with external sponsorship, though he did not name the sponsors.

Outlining the terrorists’ objectives, he said:

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1. To sow fear and doubt — “we were not afraid, nor did we doubt, and we will never be afraid.”
2. To break national cohesion — “more than ever we are united as one, and cohesion will be strengthened.”
3. To undermine determination — “more than ever, we are determined, and collective commitment will only grow stronger.”

Maïga said the enemy’s ultimate goal was to seize power by dismantling the institutions of the Republic and halting the Transition process, but noted that this had failed, as the country remains on the path of progress.

He praised the armed forces for their response, describing it as an act of self‑sacrifice under the leadership of the President of the Transition, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He said hundreds of terrorists had been neutralized and saluted the gallantry and professionalism of the men and women in uniform.

The Prime Minister stressed that lessons must be drawn from April 25, with success factors strengthened and necessary corrections applied. He also commended the resilience of the Malian population, reaffirming their faith in the army and in the Refoundation of Mali.

Quoting scripture, he said: “Every soul shall taste death, and to God we belong and to Him we return.” He praised General Camara for dying with weapons in hand to defend his homeland, urging that such resolve be strengthened among Malians.