Source: UN News: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 00:01 AM
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the attacks carried out by separatist fighters and extremist groups in various parts of Mali. Also, he has urged to provide international support to deal with the emerging threat of violent extremism and terrorism. According to news media, violent clashes continued on Sunday following coordinated attacks against government security forces on Saturday. On Saturday, there were explosions and shootings in Gao and central areas, a large military camp outside the capital Bamako, and in the city of Kidal in the north. Mali’s military government said on Saturday that government security forces had responded to these attacks, claiming to have killed hundreds of rebels. Are. At the same time, extremist armed groups are allies of Al Qaeda and Isil and they have targeted various cities of the country. Mali has been struggling with extremist violence for the last 14 years. In 2013, separatist fighters unsuccessfully attempted to take over the northern areas in a military coup, following which a UN mission was deployed there. Mali’s military leader Assimi Goita took over the reins of the presidency in 2021 and promised to restore security against the increasing dominance of armed groups in the north and central region of the country. Deep concernUN Secretary General In its statement issued on Saturday night, it has strongly condemned the violence in Mali, expressed solidarity with the people of the country and stressed on the protection of common citizens and basic establishments. He cautioned that it will be important to provide united international support and meet humanitarian needs to combat the emerging threat of violent extremism and terrorism in Mali and the wider Sahel region. In this context, the UN chief stressed the need for intensified coordination and mutual cooperation in security efforts across the region. Mali’s military government has implemented a UN Security Council-mandated peacekeeping mission in 2023.MINUSMA) was asked to leave the country, after which the security situation went from bad to worse. Before that, in 2022, French military forces and the mission of the European Union were also ordered by the government of Mali to leave the country. With the intention of bringing security and stability in Mali, the local government has used armed groups with the support of Russia. In a message on social media on Sunday, Hannah Hamdi-Singer, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mali, expressed her condolences to the people affected by the attack, who were “already suffering and now facing new challenges.”
