Mali’s Capital Under Fire: Gunmen Attack Military Police Base in Bamako
Early Tuesday morning, gunmen launched an attack on a military police base in Bamako, the Malian capital, sparking chaos and panic in the area. The incident has led to the temporary closure of the airport, with multiple explosions and volleys of gunfire reported. The assailants have not been officially identified, and authorities have not provided a clear reason for the attack.
A police source confirmed that at least one military police base in Bamako was targeted in the assault, which began at around 5:00 am. The area was filled with the sound of gunfire and explosions, sending black smoke billowing into the air. The French high school Liberte was forced to remain closed “due to external events,” while staff at the United Nations mission in Mali were advised to “limit (their) movements until further notice.”
Mali has been ruled by a military junta since the 2020 and 2021 coups, during which time the country’s relationship with European partners and former colonial power France began to deteriorate. Under the leadership of Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali broke away from its alliance with France and instead turned to Russia and its Wagner mercenary group for support. The military leaders have vowed to regain control of the entire country, and their campaign against rebels in the north has led to allegations of abuse against civilians.
Despite these tensions, the capital has until now been spared the violence that has plagued the rest of the country. However, Tuesday’s attack marks a disturbing new escalation in the ongoing conflict in Mali.
