The head of the Malian military junta, Assimi Goeta, said on Tuesday that “the situation is under control,” three days after unprecedented attacks by armed groups on strategic positions of the government, which seemed more weak than ever.

Published on: 04/29/2026 - 08:52 Last updated: 04/29/2026 - 11:09

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"The situation is under control." This is what the head of the Malian military junta, Assimi Goita, said on Tuesday, three days after unprecedented attacks launched by armed groups on strategic positions of the authority.

In his first appearance since those attacks, Goeta at the same time acknowledged the “extreme seriousness” of the situation in the country, calling on the population not to be drawn into “division.”

After days of absence and silence, Goeta reappeared on Tuesday following attacks carried out by jihadists from the “Support of Islam and Muslims” group, allied with Tuareg separatists in the “Front de Liberation de Azawad,” who continue to advance in the north of the country.

In recent days, the Malian leader's absence and silence have raised speculation about his ability to remain in power.

Read also: Mali: Who is the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad) and what are its demands?

"National uprising"

He said in a speech broadcast on state television on Tuesday evening, "Security measures have been strengthened. The situation is under control, and combing, searching, gathering information, and securing the areas are continuing."

He called on the population to "a national uprising" and "confront national division and rift," considering that "Mali needs prudence, not panic."

An attack launched by jihadists and Tuareg rebels on Saturday on the Malian city of Kati, which is a stronghold of the military junta, killed at least 23 people, including civilians and military personnel, according to a medical source. This source said, "The attack on Kati camp led to the killing of at least 23 civilians and soldiers."

A previous toll from Saturday's attacks and the ensuing battles indicated that 16 civilians and soldiers were injured, according to what the military council announced.

France 24/AFP

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