Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara Killed in Attack on Residence Near Bamako

Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, a central figure in the ruling military junta since 2020, has been killed following an attack on his residence near the capital, Bamako. The assault, carried out on Saturday by a Sahel-based affiliate of Al-Qaeda, also claimed the life of his second wife, according to family members and official sources.

Authorities and relatives confirmed that Camara died during the attack in Kati, a strategic military town close to Bamako and a stronghold of the junta. Witnesses reported that a powerful explosion largely destroyed his residence. Earlier claims suggesting he had only been injured were later dismissed by those close to him.

The killing comes amid an unprecedented wave of coordinated attacks targeting the ruling authorities. Since 2020, Mali has been governed by a military regime led by Assimi Goïta, and the country has faced persistent instability driven by jihadist insurgencies and separatist movements for over a decade.

On Saturday, heavy fighting broke out at dawn between Malian forces and armed groups, including the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM)—linked to Al-Qaeda—and Tuareg separatists from the Front de libération de l’Azawad. Clashes were reported around Bamako and in several regions, including Kati, Kidal, Gao, and Sévaré. The government said at least 16 people, both civilians and soldiers, were injured, while material damage remained limited.

General Goïta has not appeared publicly since the attacks began. According to a security source, he was evacuated from Kati and is currently in a secure location. His silence, along with that of allied juntas within the Alliance of Sahel States, has raised questions among observers.

Fighting resumed on Sunday, particularly in Kidal and Kati, where Malian forces—reportedly backed by Russian paramilitary fighters—continued to engage insurgents. Rebel groups claimed to have reached an agreement allowing Russian forces from the Africa Corps to withdraw from Kidal, which they say is now fully under their control.

The Azawad separatists also asserted they had seized several positions in the Gao region. In Kati, residents reported intermittent but intense gunfire throughout Sunday.

In a statement, JNIM claimed responsibility for the coordinated assaults, describing them as a “victory” achieved through sustained efforts and cooperation with allied groups, including the Azawad rebels. The group said its operations targeted key sites, including the residence of President Goïta, the home of Defence Minister Camara, Bamako’s international airport, and multiple military installations in Kati.