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The African Union and the United States have condemned attacks launched across Mali on Saturday, as the army said it was battling “terrorist groups” that struck the capital and other key cities.
The AU Commission President, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he was following “with grave concern” the attacks targeting Bamako and other urban centres across the country.
“The President of the Commission strongly condemns these acts, which risk exposing civilian populations to significant dangers,” the AU statement read.
Mahamat reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, good governance, and stability in Mali” and expressed “full solidarity with the Malian people, the defense and security forces, as well as the national authorities.”
Mali’de Nusretel İslam vel Müslimin Hareketi Başkent Bamako’ya 15 km yaklaştı. Gao şehrini tamamen kontrol altına aldı. Rus Vagner güçlerini bölgeden kovdu. pic.twitter.com/PiBiqtquEH
— Dr. Abdulkadir Şen (@SennAbdulkadir) April 25, 2026
The United States also condemned the assault.
“We strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack in Mali. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected, and we stand with the Malian people and government in the face of this violence,” the Bureau of African Affairs said in a statement.
The US said it remained “committed to supporting efforts to advance peace, stability, and security across Mali and the region.”
The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Mali. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected, and we stand with the Malian people and government in the face of this violence. The United States remains committed to…
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) April 25, 2026
The Malian army earlier said “terrorist groups, not yet identified” targeted “certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior.”
As Tuareg forces take control of Kidal, JNIM militants are now pouring into Sévaré in central Mali in a fast moving advance. There is no air power to check their advance. pic.twitter.com/1nosNxVoRE
— Defense News Nigeria (@DefenseNigeria) April 25, 2026
Heavy gunfire was reported in Bamako, the northern cities of Gao and Kidal, the central city of Sevare, and Kati in the Bamako suburbs, where military ruler General Assimi Goita has his residence.
An army statement said: “Terrorist groups, not yet identified, early this morning targeted certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior.”
Mali has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency since 2012 involving groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The military junta, which seized power through coups in 2020 and 2021, has severed ties with its former colonial ruler, France, and moved closer to Russia.
