News in Mali continues to raise concerns as the country faces an increase in terrorist attacks. In just two weeks, six attacks and clashes have been recorded between the signatories of the Algiers peace agreement. What is particularly worrying is that the terrorist threat now appears to be moving closer to the capital, Bamako.
According to a confidential document from the Malian army obtained by RFI, orders were given to strengthen security in the Bamako region in the face of the risk of kamikaze attacks, in particular using tricycles. The gendarmerie units were thus instructed to redouble their vigilance and systematically check all vehicles, including motorcycle taxis.
This document reveals palpable tension in the Malian capital. A pick-up bomb attack was already foiled recently in Kati Koko-Plateau, a garrison town located near Bamako. This persistent terrorist threat in the Malian metropolis is not new. Since the summer of 2022, General Oumar Diarra, chief of staff of the Malian Armed Forces, has put his troops on alert in order to face the jihadist offensive.
However, the situation has become complicated with the resumption of hostilities between the Malian army and separatist groups in the North. This led to the expulsion of French and UN forces, leaving the Malian army and its Russian partners alone to fight against the various armed groups. General Diarra therefore had to renew his warnings in the face of this growing threat.
In addition, the Algiers peace agreement signed in 2015, which aimed to end the clashes in northern Mali, is now shattered. Fighting between the Malian army and the armed groups signatories to the agreement has resumed, particularly in Ber and Bourem. This escalation of tensions has already caused the displacement of more than 30,000 people in the Timbuktu region.
Faced with these internal clashes, jihadist groups also continue their actions. They impose a blockade on certain localities and carry out attacks, such as the recent one on the Malian army camp in Bamba and the attack on the main Fama camp in Gao.
The situation in Mali is therefore worrying, with increasing terrorist attacks and growing instability. It is necessary to intensify efforts to combat these armed groups in order to guarantee the security of populations and prevent new kamikaze attacks. The Malian authorities must also stabilize the political situation and restore trust between the different actors in order to advance the implementation of the peace agreement.