Malian President Assimi Goïta addressed the nation on Monday evening to denounce a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that targeted multiple localities across the country on April 25.
Speaking from the Koulouba presidential palace, Goïta characterized the simultaneous strikes against Bamako, Kati, Konna, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal as part of a sophisticated destabilization plan fueled by both internal and external sponsors providing logistical and intelligence support. Despite the complexity of the threat, the President assured the public that the security situation is now under control, crediting the prompt and professional response of the Malian armed and security forces for delivering a decisive setback to the assailants.
The military counter-offensive has reportedly resulted in a significant number of neutralized attackers, with the Russian Defence Ministry claiming that as many as 2,500 assailants were killed during the response. As clearance and intelligence operations continue throughout the affected zones, Goïta utilized his address to pay a solemn tribute to the late Minister of State for Defence and Veterans, General Sadio Camara. Describing Camara’s passing as a tremendous loss for the nation, the President praised the General as a valiant officer whose loyalty and dignity served as a cornerstone for the Malian military.
In his call for national unity, Goïta reaffirmed Mali’s commitment to its current path of sovereign “refoundation,” emphasizing that the pursuit of national dignity is a deliberate choice regardless of the costs. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against disinformation, which he warned can serve as a weapon for terrorists, and to maintain lucidity rather than panic. The Malian leader also highlighted the importance of coordinated action within the Alliance of Sahel States and strategic cooperation with Russia while directing the government to prioritize assistance for victims and support for bereaved families to ensure that national solidarity remains a tangible reality.
MD/ac/lb/abj/APA