Mali junta chief takes over defence minister's role amid criticism from UN
Goïta will also oversee the military response as the United Nations cites 23 deaths, abductions and alleged extrajudicial killings after late-April attacks.
- On Monday, junta leader General Assimi Goïta announced he would assume the additional role of defence minister, following the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara in a car bombing.
- Coordinated assaults on April 25-26 by the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims and the Azawad Liberation Front plunged Mali into a severe security crisis. Fighting resulted in at least 23 deaths.
- Since April 30, a jihadist blockade has disrupted essential transport toward Bamako, forcing drivers to refuse travel without security escorts. The customs office in Kita, 200 kilometres from the capital, was almost deserted on Wednesday.
- The United Nations human rights office expressed deep concern Tuesday over reports of extrajudicial killings and abductions of opposition figures, including lawyer Mountaga Tall, taken by masked men. At least two other civilians were also arrested.
- UN spokesman Seif Magango urged authorities to allow "safe, sustainable and unfettered humanitarian access" amid reports of hunger, while observers warn the crisis may serve as a pretext for purging political opposition and military personnel.
19 Articles
19 Articles
ABC FOX Montana
Wave of arrests, abductions after attacks on Mali junta
Malian opposition figures and military personnel have been detained or abducted following large-scale attacks by jihadists and separatists on junta positions, security, legal and family sources told AFP on Wednesday.
Radio France Internationale
allAfricaMali junta chief takes over defence minister's role amid criticism from UN
The United Nations voiced grave concern on Tuesday over reports of extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by the security forces in Mali, which has been plunged into crisis following an assault on ruling junta strongholds. This comes as junta leader Assimi Goïta announces he will take on the additional role of defence minister.
Mali Junta Leader Names Himself Defence Minister after Predecessor Killed – WADEMOS
Mali’s military leader Gen Assimi Goïta has taken over as defence minister after the officer who previously held the post was killed in a wave of surprise attacks. The West African country remains in a security crisis more than a week after an alliance of jihadists and separatist rebels launched their nationwide raids. During the offensive, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an apparent suicide truck bombing on his residence near the ca…
Assimi Goïta: Mali's Commander-in-Chief Now Takes the Defense Portfolio
Bamako, Mali May 5, 2026 In a dramatic consolidation of power amid one of Mali 39;s gravest security crises in over a decade, General Assimi Go iuml;ta the country 39;s military ruler has assumed direct control of the defense ministry, adding it to his existing role as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Decree According to a decree read on state TV on Monday, Go iuml;ta will assume the additional role of defense minist…
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