Mali defense minister killed by rebels

Mali defense minister Camara died after rebels car-bombed his private residence, amidst widespread fighting across the country.

Mali defense minister Sadio Camara, his second wife, and two grandchildren died on 25/4 after a car bombing at his home in Kati, his family and an official said today. Kati, a military government stronghold, serves as a gateway to the capital Bamako.

The scene of the car bombing at Mali defense minister Sadio Camara's home on 25/4. Video: X/Visegrad 24

The car bombing at minister Camara's residence occurred as Malian rebel groups launched multiple, simultaneous attacks nationwide, targeting the military government.

Fighting erupted on 25/4 when Tuareg rebels, part of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) alliance, collaborated with the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) armed group. They conducted surprise attacks across various regions in Mali.

The clashes on 25/4 resulted in 16 injured civilians and soldiers, along with minor material damage, according to the Malian government. Authorities affirmed that the "situation was completely under control in all attacked locations".

Clashes between the Malian army and rebels continued on 26/4 in several areas. In the capital Bamako, barriers and tires blocked access to military facilities.

Meanwhile, Tuareg rebels announced an agreement allowing Russian-backed forces supporting the Malian army to withdraw from Kidal, a northern city they claim to have "completely" controlled.

"A military convoy has left, but we are unsure of the details of what is happening. Armed groups are now controlling the streets", a Kidal resident said.

Mali defense minister Sadio Camara attended a conference in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2024. Photo: AFP

The Malian army, supported by the Russian private military company Wagner, had previously recaptured Kidal, a Tuareg stronghold, in 11/2023, ending over a decade of rebel control.

For over a decade, Mali has been ravaged by conflict and violence from Islamist armed groups. However, the 25/4 attack marks the most serious escalation since the military government took power in 2020.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "acts of violence" in Mali. His spokesperson stated that the "Secretary-General calls for coordinated international support to address the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs".

The Sahel, a vast strip of land spanning over three million square kilometers from Africa's west to east coast, is a strategically important region. The European Union also condemned the "terrorist attacks" in Mali.

Africa Corps, a paramilitary organization established with Russian military backing, has replaced Wagner in supporting the Malian army against Islamist armed groups.