ECOWAS has strongly denounced the terrorist assaults that hit multiple areas in Mali on Saturday, April 25, while calling for enhanced regional collaboration to address the rising threat of extremism.
The condemnation follows the killing of Mali’s defence minister in what reports describe as a suicide truck bombing at his residence close to the capital, Bamako.
Several media outlets reported that Defence Minister Sadio Camara died during a series of coordinated strikes involving jihadist fighters and separatist groups operating across different parts of the country.
State television later confirmed his death hours after the incident, stating that he succumbed to injuries sustained while confronting the attackers. Reports also indicated that junta leader Gen Assimi Goita was relocated to a secure location after his residence was targeted.
In its reaction, ECOWAS described the incidents as “heinous acts” and extended sympathy to bereaved families while reaffirming support for Mali’s population.
The bloc stressed that such violence highlights the continued brutality of armed groups that threaten peace and stability throughout West Africa.
It further urged member states, security agencies, and citizens across the region to strengthen coordinated action against extremist networks.
ECOWAS also appealed for unity, calling on all stakeholders in West Africa to mobilise collectively in response to the growing security threat.
According to reports, the attack that killed Sadio Camara involved a suicide truck bomb targeting his residence in the Kati area near Bamako.
Militants allegedly linked to al-Qaeda were blamed for the assault, which also reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least three members of his family.
Elsewhere, explosions and heavy gunfire were recorded across Bamako and several other locations as armed groups carried out simultaneous operations that extended into Sunday.
The Malian military said operations were ongoing to push back the attackers, adding that some militants had begun retreating from affected areas.
Clashes were additionally reported in Kati, which hosts a major military installation outside the capital, as well as in Gao, Sevare, and Mopti in central Mali.
This latest wave of violence further highlights worsening insecurity across the Sahel, where armed groups continue to launch repeated attacks despite ongoing military counteroperations.