The Network of Journalists of the AES Confederation (REJAES) issued a press statement on Monday, May 4, 2026, condemning coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on April 25, 2026, in Mali and denouncing what it called "destabilization maneuvers" targeting the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member nations. The attacks were described as "cowardly and barbaric" by REJAES, targeting several cities and positions of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). Reports indicated the incidents resulted in the death of numerous civilians and military personnel, including the Minister of National Defense, Army Corps General Sadio Camara.
The Malian army stated on Saturday morning that it was fighting "terrorist groups" which had attacked army barracks in Bamako and other areas. The army later affirmed the situation was under control, with "sweeping operations" ongoing. Camara’s entourage reported he was "safe" and not present during the attack, though two witnesses said his house was hit and destroyed. REJAES noted "the resurgence of coordinated attacks aimed at undermining the efforts of reconquest and refoundation undertaken by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger." The network also pointed to "the barely veiled involvement of certain foreign powers in maintaining insecurity in the Sahel."
Coordinated Attacks Across Mali
Gunmen attacked Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country in an apparently coordinated assault involving multiple groups. Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard shortly before 6am (06:00 GMT) near Mali’s main military base, Kati, outside Bamako. An Associated Press journalist reported heavy weaponry and automatic rifle gunfire near Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, located approximately 15km (nine miles) from the city centre. Similar unrest occurred at about the same time in the central town of Sevare, the town of Kidal, and the city of Gao in northern Mali. Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) confirmed in a statement that it was involved in the attacks and coordinated with the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). JNIM stated it had attacked the homes of General Assimi Goita and Defence Minister General Sadio Camara, among other targets. Residents in Kati also said the house of Defence Minister General Sadio Camara was targeted. Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque stated the scale and coordination of the attacks appear to be unprecedented, adding, “According to military sources, the fighters involved in this coordinated attack are targeting military armed compounds.” Haque also noted, "there is an unprecedented level of panic” in the military ranks. Alex Vines noted that much of Kidal has been captured by the insurgents. Mali has been dealing with more than a decade of armed unrest, with Russia’s Wagner Group aiding Malian forces against armed groups since 2021.
Broader Destabilization Concerns
The Network of Journalists of the AES Confederation (REJAES) denounced the resurgence of coordinated attacks, stating they aimed "to undermine the efforts of reconquest and refoundation undertaken by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger." REJAES also condemned "the barely veiled involvement of certain foreign powers in maintaining insecurity in the Sahel," calling on France and other powers to "clarify its position and cease all maneuvers likely to compromise the stability and sovereignty of the Sahel States." The organization declared, "the attack against Mali is an attack against Niger and Burkina Faso," and urged the international community for "sincere solidarity, respectful of Mali's sovereignty and free from all interference."
A spokesperson for the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) confirmed its forces had seized control of Kidal and parts of Gao, indicating the country is battling rebellions by al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) affiliates, alongside the Tuareg-led rebellion. Alex Vines noted the involvement of JNIM and the FLA separatist movement, with government forces responding fiercely. Mali's military government, led by Assimi Goita, assumed power after coups in 2020 and 2021, subsequently cutting ties with France and expelling French and UN peacekeeping forces. The Wagner Group, now operating as the Africa Corps under direct Russian Ministry of Defence control, aids Malian forces.
Journalists' Call for Unity
REJAES saluted the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) for their courage and sacrifice, stating they "au prix de leurs vies défendent la souveraineté, la dignité et l’intégrité du territoire malien." The network urged media to adopt a "professional, factuel et digne de ces événements tragiques" treatment of the events. Coinciding with World Press Freedom Day on May 3, REJAES sent a message of fraternity and responsibility to journalists within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) space. REJAES emphasized that "la liberté d’informer est un droit majeur et fondamental à préserver et à protéger, qui s’accompagne d’une exigence permanente de rigueur, et d’éthique." Journalists were invited to demonstrate "retenue, de confraternité et de responsabilité."
