Mali’s Interim Leader Assumes Defense Role After Deadly Militant Attack

(MENAFN) Assimi Goita, the interim leader of Mali, has taken direct control of the country’s defense ministry after the death of former minister Sadio Camara in a series of coordinated militant attacks, according to official statements.

A decree issued through the national gazette confirmed that Goita will continue serving as head of state while also overseeing defense responsibilities. “The president of the transition, head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces, shall perform the duties of Minister of Defense and Veterans,” it stated.

In a related decision, Oumar Diarra was appointed as a delegate minister for defense, operating under Goita’s authority within the ministry.

Camara was killed when a suicide vehicle bombing struck his home in Kati, located near the capital Bamako, on April 25. The broader offensive targeted several locations across the country, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Sevare, and Kidal. Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by militant factions linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, along with the Azawad Liberation Front.

According to Abdoulaye Maiga, the objective of the attackers was to overthrow the government, weaken state institutions, and disrupt the country’s transitional process.

Authorities stated that Malian forces, supported by Russia’s Africa Corps, were able to prevent militants from capturing key military bases and infrastructure. As stated by reports, Russian defense officials described the assault as an attempted coup and alleged that those involved had received training from Ukrainian and European mercenary personnel. The army reported that over 200 militants were killed during the clashes, with significant quantities of weapons and equipment seized.

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