Malian authorities have imposed a night-time curfew throughout the San region, bordering Burkina Faso, amid a deteriorating security situation, two weeks after the deadly attack on a military camp in the city, claimed by JNIM.
The governor of the San region, Colonel-Major Ousmane Sangare, set the curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., according to a decree signed on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The measure, which took effect immediately upon signing, applies “until further notice.”
The curfew applies to civilians as well as vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles. Exemptions are granted to vehicles belonging to the Defense and Security Forces and those assigned to duly
authorized official missions.
authorized official missions.
The decree justifies this restriction by citing “the worrying deterioration of the security situation” and “the resurgence of insecurity” in the region. It stipulates that the curfew may be lifted, extended, or adjusted depending on how the situation evolves.
A measure taken after the August 9 attack
The curfew was imposed two weeks after the assault on the 23rd Infantry Regiment’s compound in San, launched around 5:30 a.m. on August 9.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the attackers used heavy machine guns, kamikaze drones, drones dropping explosives, and two armoured vehicles. One of these vehicles breached the camp wall, facilitating the fighters’ infiltration.
The army announced that it had repelled the attack and regained control of the compound, claiming to have neutralized more than fifty attackers.
The General Staff also reported deaths and injuries among its ranks, without providing a specific number, paying tribute to the soldiers “who fell in the line of duty” and offering its condolences to their families. On August 24, the army also announced strikes against several armed groups southwest of San, as part of Operation Dougoukoloko. These positions housed motorcycles, armed vehicles, and logistical installations.
No casualties were reported.
A strategic region
The curfew applies to the entire regional territory, encompassing seven districts and 42 municipalities, in a strategic area located on the routes connecting Bamako to Segou, Mopti, and the Burkina Faso border.
The city of San is notably crossed by National Road 6 (RN6), one of the main roads linking the Malian capital to the centre of the country.
In addition to the curfew, the governor’s decision calls on local authorities and the population to strengthen security vigilance, information sharing, and the management of gatherings.
This measure is part of the reinforcement of administrative security mechanisms implemented in several regions of Mali in response to the continued attacks by armed groups.
MD/te/Sf/fss/as/APA
MD/te/Sf/fss/as/APA