United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a wave of coordinated attacks in Mali, calling for urgent international action to tackle rising insecurity in the Sahel.
The condemnation was issued on Saturday through his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, following reports of large-scale assaults by jihadist groups and Tuareg rebels across the country.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of attacks in several locations across Mali,” the statement said.
Mr Guterres “strongly condemns these acts of violence, expresses solidarity with the Malian people and stresses the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” it added.
He further called for “coordinated international support” and stronger regional collaboration to address the escalating threat of violent extremism.
Nature of the attacks
The attacks, described as among the most complex in recent years, were reportedly launched at dawn in and around the capital, Bamako, and other regions.
An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group claimed it had joined forces with Tuareg rebels to execute the operation, with reports indicating that the northern city of Kidal was seized.
The latest violence highlights the worsening security situation in Mali, where armed groups continue to challenge state authority.
Mr Guterres emphasised the need for “robust security coordination and collaboration across the region” to contain the threat.
Prolonged crisis
Since 2012, Mali has faced a persistent security crisis driven by jihadist insurgencies, separatist movements, and organised criminal networks.
Thousands have been killed and many more displaced, despite repeated military interventions and political changes.
The country has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta citing security concerns as justification for its takeover.
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