By Staff Reporter
Hundreds of supporters of Mali’s military-led government gathered at a stadium in Bamako on Saturday to express solidarity with the country’s transitional authorities following recent deadly attacks by armed groups.
The rally came as Mali’s junta, which seized power in 2020, faces mounting pressure from jihadist fighters and separatist rebels after a wave of coordinated assaults across the country last month.
Many supporters paid tribute to the late Malian Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, who was reportedly killed during the attacks.
“The death of General Sadio Camara has deeply affected us,” said junta supporter Oumar Neïté. “We want the world to know that although General Sadio is gone, there are hundreds more ready to defend Mali. Our nation remains strong and united.”
On April 26, Mali experienced one of the largest coordinated offensives against its military since 2012. Armed groups launched attacks in Bamako and several other towns, targeting military bases and strategic locations.
The assaults were claimed jointly by the Islamist militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led separatist movement. The groups reportedly captured a number of towns and military positions from Malian forces and their ally, the Russia-backed Africa Corps.
JNIM later announced a blockade of Bamako, setting up roadblocks and warning civilians against entering the capital.
Mali’s military government came to power after a coup in 2020, pledging to restore stability in the country following years of extremist violence. Since then, the junta has strengthened ties with Russia while distancing itself from traditional Western partners, including France and United Nations peacekeeping forces.
