September 17 will remain etched in the memory of the people of Bamako, Mali, following the deadly attack by terrorists targeting the Gendarmerie school in Faladié and a Malian Air Force base near Modibo Keita Sénou airport. Calm has returned after intense fighting that caused loss of life and considerable damage in the airport area.
The Malian authorities, led by Oumar Diarra, Chief of Staff, reacted quickly to neutralize the attackers and restore order in the region. Faced with this tragic situation, the support of the population played a crucial role in allowing the arrest of suspects and the continuation of investigations. Oumar Diarra stressed the importance of not giving in to division and hate speech, calling for the unity of Malians in these difficult times.
ECOWAS strongly condemned these jihadist attacks, demonstrating regional solidarity in the face of the scourge of terrorism that continues to threaten the stability of the region. Despite the palpable tension, life is gradually returning to normal in Bamako, with the reopening of businesses around the gendarmerie camp and the resumption of flights at Modibo-Keïta International Airport.
However, the images broadcast by terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda, showing the damage inflicted on the airport and the Malian air force base, reflect the blind violence of which these extremist groups are capable. The burning of military aircraft and other strategic infrastructure underscores the constant threat to Mali’s security and sovereignty.
In these dark times, it is essential to remain united and supportive to face these security challenges. The resilience of the Malian people and its armed forces is being tested, but the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future remains. The Malian authorities must continue their efforts to guarantee the security of all and relentlessly fight against terrorism, with the support of the international community and its regional partners.