The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the terrorist attacks that struck several locations in Mali on Saturday, April 25, urging stronger regional cooperation to combat terrorism.
This comes after Mali’s defence minister was killed in an apparent suicide truck bombing at his residence near the capital Bamako.
Multiple news outlets reported the death of Sadio Camara, part of a wave of coordinated attacks by jihadist militants and separatists carried out across the country.Regional News Updates
State TV confirmed the death many hours later, saying he died of wounds received while engaging with the attackers. Reports say the head of the military junta, Gen Assimi Goita, was moved to a safe location after his home was targeted.
In a statement, ECOWAS described the attacks as “heinous” and extended condolences to the families of the victims, while expressing solidarity with the people of Mali.
“These heinous acts demonstrate once again the barbaric nature of the perpetrators who continue to threaten peace, security, and stability in the West African sub-region as a whole,” the statement said.
The regional bloc called on member states, security forces, and citizens to intensify coordinated efforts against extremist violence.
“ECOWAS calls on all states, security forces, regional mechanisms and populations of West Africa to unite and mobilise in a coordinated effort to combat this scourge,” it added.
Reports indicated that Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in an apparent suicide truck bombing at his residence near the capital, Bamako.
The attack, reportedly carried out by militants linked to al-Qaeda in the town of Kati, is also said to have claimed the lives of at least three of his family members.
Explosions and sustained gunfire were reported across Bamako and other parts of the country, as armed groups launched coordinated attacks that continued into Sunday.
Mali’s military said efforts to repel the attackers were ongoing, with some militants already fleeing.
Clashes were also reported in Kati, home to a major military base outside the capital, as well as in Gao and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti.
The latest violence underscores growing security challenges in the Sahel region, where armed groups continue to mount attacks despite ongoing military operations.