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Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara has been killed in the attacks on military sites across the country, carried out by Al-Qaida-linked militant group JNIM, in partnership with Tuareg rebels.
Camara’s death was announced on Sunday, a day after his home in Kati came under attack. Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque, who has reported extensively from Mali, described Camara as a prominent figure in the country’s military government.
“He was one of the most influential figures within the ruling military leadership and had been seen by some as a possible future leader of Mali,” said Haque.
“His death is a major blow to the country’s armed forces.”
Fighting was also heard in Gao, the main northern city, and Sevare in the centre. Mali has been battling more than a decade of jihadist conflict, and the military took power in two coups in 2020 and 2021. (Photo by Souleymane AG ANARA / AFP)
Assailants carried out a suicide car bomb assault on the Malian Defence Minister’s residence in Kati, a military town about 15km from the capital city. Interim President Assimi Goita also resides in Kati.
Kati is considered one of Mali’s most secure locations, yet it came under attack by JNIM and Tuareg fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
Haque also said that the attacks have persisted for over 24 hours, adding that the sounds of heavy gunfire and loud explosions could still be heard in Kidal on Sunday.
Analyst Bulama Bukarti said there is a high likelihood of intensified battles for control of territory and strategic locations in the West African country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United States Bureau of African Affairs have condemned the violent attacks across the country.
