Mali endures coordinated jihadist and rebel attacks across multiple cities

On 25 April 2026, simultaneous assaults struck Bamako, Kati, Gao, Sévaré, Mopti and Kidal in Mali. The attacks were claimed by the jihadist coalition JNIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) working together with the Tuareg‑linked Azawad Liberation Front (F.L.A.). Government officials reported minor damage and 16 people injured, while stressing that the situation was under control.

The violence follows years of instability after the military coup of 2020 that brought junta leader Assimi Goïta to power. The junta replaced French forces with Russian mercenaries, but both foreign actors have failed to curb the insurgency. Analysts note that JNIM’s partnership with the F.L.A. marks a new, more coordinated phase of the conflict, raising concerns that the junta may be forced to negotiate with the militants or face further deterioration of security across the Sahel.