Gunfire reported in multiple Malian localities, including Kati, near junta leader's residence
via SeneNews1 min read
Gunfire was heard Saturday morning in several areas of Mali, including Kati, near the capital Bamako, which houses the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta. Witnesses, a security source, and an elected official confirmed the reports. In addition to Kati, the as-yet unclaimed detonations were heard in Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, and Sévaré, in the center of the Sahelian country. Mali has been grappling with over a decade of conflict and jihadist violence. The country has been led by military officers who came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021. Since 2012, Mali has faced a deep security crisis fueled by violence from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization, as well as criminal community groups and separatists. The Malian military regime, like its neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, also led by juntas, has distanced itself from France and several Western partners to strengthen political and military ties with Russia. The Wagner Group, which supported the Malian state in its anti-jihadist fight since 2021, announced the end of its mission in June 2025 and has since become Africa Corps, an organization under the direct control of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The military has implemented repressive measures against the press and critical voices. They have also dissolved political parties and political organizations. The Malian junta had pledged to return power to civilians by March 2024 at the latest but has sinc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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Must ReadThe Malian Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front FLA announced on Saturday that they have taken control of Kidal, a key city in northern Mali. The FLA stated on Facebook that their forces control Kidal, and their spokesperson, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, told AFP that the governor of Kidal and his elements have taken refuge in the former MINUSMA camp. Kidal was previously occupied by the Malian army and Russian soldiers. The FLA, a coalition of Tuareg-dominated armed groups formed in November 2024, claims the territory of Azawad in the north of the country. The group had lost control of several northern localities in late 2023 following an offensive by the Malian army and Russian mercenaries, which led to the capture of Kidal. The Malian army reported ongoing clashes since early Saturday on the outskirts of the capital Bamako and in several other locations, including Kidal, between soldiers and "terrorist groups" who attacked barracks. Intense gunfire was also heard Saturday in Kati, near Bamako, where the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta is located.
BreakingOn Saturday, April 25, 2026, fighting was reported on the outskirts of Mali's capital, Bamako, and in several other locations across the country. The Malian army announced in a statement that it was engaged in combat with "terrorist groups" that had attacked barracks and other targets. Witnesses reported assaults in various areas. The army stated that "unidentified armed terrorist groups" targeted points and barracks in the capital and interior early that morning. A Bamako resident attempting to reach the airport for a flight was turned back due to a military deployment, describing high tension and armed soldiers who appeared to be in a panic. Access to the airport area was strictly controlled. An AFP journalist observed deserted streets in Bamako and heard intermittent explosions around 9:00 AM local time, particularly near the 101 Senou base, which is close to the airport. Helicopters were also seen circling above the capital near the airport. Intense gunfire was also heard in Kati, a town near Bamako that houses the residence of junta leader General Assimi Goïta, according to witnesses, a security source, and an elected official. Residents of Kati and the airport area posted images on social media showing homes damaged by explosions. Attacks were also reported in Gao, Kidal, and Sévaré. Mali, a Sahelian country led by a junta that came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, has faced over a decade of conflict and jihadist violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and