Mali: Deadly attack in Bamako, more than 70 dead in a jihadist offensive against the gendarmerie school and the military airport.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) , also known as JNIM in its Arabic acronym, launched a series of deadly attacks in Bamako, targeting a gendarmerie school and the military airport. These assaults marked a new turning point in the rise of jihadist violence in Mali, leaving more than 70 dead and 200 injured , one of the heaviest tolls suffered by Malian security forces in recent years.
A catastrophic human toll
According to security sources , the exact number of victims is 77 dead and 255 injured . However, a confidential official document, validated by the authorities, reports an even more dramatic toll, with nearly 100 dead , including 81 victims identified by name. This figure gives an idea of the scale of the attack and the shock it caused throughout the country. The Bamako newspaper Le Soir also announced that funerals for around fifty gendarme students will be held this Thursday, highlighting the collective pain of the Malian nation.
The uncertain response of the military authorities
Malian authorities, under the leadership of a military junta since the 2020 coup, have opted for limited communication regarding the human toll of the attacks. So far, they have simply admitted “some loss of life,” mainly among young gendarme trainees. However, this lack of transparency raises questions about the management of security in the capital and the effectiveness of the military strategy adopted by the regime.
GSIM claim and Wagner’s role
The Al-Qaeda-affiliated GSIM claimed responsibility for the attacks through its communications channels. The group said the operation lasted nearly nine hours , causing massive losses among the enemy, including among mercenaries from the Wagner Group , engaged alongside the Malian military regime. This Russian paramilitary group, already very present in Africa, is a controversial ally of Mali in its fight against terrorist groups. GSIM claimed that its own losses were limited, although some of its fighters were killed.
Regional context and security issues
An anniversary marked by violence
The attacks come a day after the first anniversary of the Alliance of Sahel States , a coalition formed by Mali , Burkina Faso and Niger , three nations governed by military regimes resulting from successive coups since 2020. This partnership, aimed at strengthening military and security cooperation, was marked by the severing of ties with France, the former colonial power, which had become militarily involved in the fight against jihadist groups in the region.
Escalating insecurity in the region
The GSIM attack in Bamako highlights the rise of jihadist groups in the Sahel, where the state presence is increasingly weak, and where local security forces are struggling to contain terrorist offensives. This growing insecurity, combined with the presence of paramilitary groups like Wagner , further complicates the situation. Civilians and security forces are paying a high price in this context of instability.
Conclusion
The GSIM attack in Bamako is a major shock for Mali and calls into question the effectiveness of the ruling military junta’s strategy. While the authorities seek to reassure about their management of security, the reality on the ground shows a worsening of the situation, with an increase in jihadist attacks and a loss of control over several strategic areas. The use of groups like Wagner seems far from being a sustainable solution. Faced with this escalation of violence, a more coordinated response and regional dialogue are essential to restore peace and security in the Sahel region.
