By Ebi Kesiena
Mali’s military ruler, Assimi Goïta, has assumed the additional role of defence minister following a wave of coordinated attacks that claimed the life of the country’s former defence chief.
The development was announced in a decree broadcast on state television on Monday, signalling what authorities described as a “strategic decision” amid a fragile and deteriorating security environment.
Under the new arrangement, Mali’s Chief of Staff, Oumar Diarra, will serve as minister delegate for defence, effectively supporting Goïta in overseeing military operations.
The leadership shake-up comes in the wake of large-scale attacks that began on April 25, exposing vulnerabilities within the West African nation’s military government, which has been in power since successive coups in 2020 and 2021.
The former defence minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in one of the incidents when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at his residence, according to government accounts. Camara had been a key figure in strengthening Mali’s military ties with Russia.
The attacks triggered intense fighting across Mali’s northern regions, heightening fears of renewed territorial gains by armed groups operating in the Sahel.
Security analysts say the coordinated nature of the assault reflects growing cooperation among insurgent factions, including Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, and the Azawad Liberation Front.
The alliance reportedly targeted both Malian forces and allied Russian mercenaries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of external military support in stabilising the country.
A spokesperson for the separatist group warned that fighters intend to seize control of northern Mali, predicting the eventual of the military-led government.
Meanwhile, Malian authorities have launched investigations into possible internal complicity, with some soldiers suspected of involvement in the attacks.
