Senegal, AU, Turkey, international community condemn Mali terrorist attacks

Africa, International

DAKAR, Senegal(NPA) — Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has strongly condemned the coordinated terrorist attacks in the Republic of Mali carried out today by the Al-Qaeda–linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

Fighting erupted in Bamako, Gao, Kidal, Sévaré, and around the Kati military base near the capital, with the FLA claiming to have seized control of Kidal.

In a statement, President Faye expressed solidarity with Mali, noting: “In the face of the ordeal and widespread killings and destruction by the terrorists, the Senegalese people, and in my own name, stand firmly with the Malian Government, the Defense and Security Forces, and the entire Malian people.” He reiterated Senegal’s commitment to work alongside Mali and other countries in the sub-region toward restoring peace and security.

As of the time of filing this report, Malian military authorities announced that the situation had been brought under control, describing the assault as the most coordinated attack against the government in years.

The African Union has also condemned the attacks, warning they endanger civilians and undermine regional stability.

Turkey and other international actors also issued strong condemnations, pledging solidarity with Mali. The U.S. Embassy in Mali advised citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel.

Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS operating alongside Tuareg separatists. The country’s military junta, led by Assimi Goïta, relies heavily on Russian-backed Africa Corps mercenaries after expelling French forces and UN peacekeepers.

Today’s attacks in Mali were carried out by JNIM (Al-Qaeda affiliate) and Tuareg separatists (FLA), striking multiple cities including Bamako and Kidal. The violence has drawn widespread condemnation across Africa and internationally, underscoring the worsening instability in the Sahel.