Authorities in Mali have imposed a 72-hour nightly curfew in the capital, Bamako, following a series of coordinated attacks described by officials and analysts as unprecedented in scale in recent years.
The curfew, announced by Governor Abdoulaye Coulibaly, restricts movement between 21:00 and 06:00 local time and took effect on April 25, 2026, as security forces launched intensified operations across the capital and surrounding areas.
The attacks, which authorities say involved both jihadist and separatist groups, represent a major escalation in Mali’s long-running security crisis. Officials confirmed that at least 16 people were injured during the initial wave of assaults.
The Malian military stated that it had “neutralised” several hundred attackers and claimed the situation was now under control, though operations are still ongoing and full casualty figures have not been independently verified.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that Defence Minister General Sadio Camara may have been killed after his residence in Kati was destroyed, but authorities have not confirmed his status.
The violence spread rapidly across multiple locations. In Bamako and the nearby military town of Kati, residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions near key installations, including a major army base and the Modibo Keita International Airport.
Further clashes were reported in central and northern regions such as Gao, Mopti, and Sévaré, while separatist fighters in Kidal claimed control of significant parts of the area following fighting with government forces.
Analysts say the coordinated nature of the attacks highlights a high level of planning and coordination among armed groups, raising fresh concerns about the government’s ability to maintain territorial control.
There are also reports suggesting involvement of Russian Africa Corps fighters, with indications that some forces may have withdrawn following an agreement, though details remain unclear.
Mali has been under military rule since 2020, led by junta head Assimi Goïta, who initially came to power promising to restore stability and combat insurgent violence in the north.
However, the country continues to face persistent insecurity linked to a mix of jihadist insurgencies and separatist movements that have evolved since the Tuareg rebellion that began over a decade ago.
Planned democratic elections have been repeatedly delayed, with authorities citing logistical and security challenges.
The latest surge in violence underscores the fragility of the security situation and raises renewed questions about the effectiveness of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
Residents in Bamako and other affected areas have been urged to remain indoors as military operations continue across the country.
