‘How are we going to get back home?’ Islamist group tightens…
Mali's capital city Bamako – a major West African hub and home to more than three million people – is under a partial blockade by Islamist militants, days after the country's defence minister was assassinated there. "Our army isn't capable of protecting us, how are we going to get back home?" a mother-of-two told the BBC, unable to re-enter Bamako after visiting her parents out of town.
Last year, the Islamist groups imposed a fuel blockade on the city, causing shortages and a sharp increase in prices but they have now ordered a total blockade, leaving residents worried. Last weekend saw nationwide, coordinated attacks by an alliance of jihadists and separatist rebels in the north – the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) – seeking to overthrow the military regime of Gen Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a coup in 2020.
I've never thought like this before." A total blockade has been imposed on Ségou, a town less than 80m (50 miles) from the capital, leaving hundreds of vehicles, trucks, buses and cars, stranded. Passengers, including families and traders, have been stuck there for days, struggling to access water and food, as reported by a reporter in the town. as reported by state media, junta leader Goïta vowed tough action against the insurgents, following an emergency security council meeting on Wednesday.
Goïta also claimed armed and security forces had managed to inflict "heavy losses" on the rebels. Alain Antil, director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre at French foreign affairs think-tank Ifri, told the BBC that "those moves show that the regime is weak and can't restore security. After seizing power, Goïta expelled the French and instead turned to Russia for support but the situation has not improved, culminating in last weekend's attacks. Several countries – including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom – have urged their citizens to leave Mali, while the US recommends staying at home.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Geopolitical moves around Africa Corps rarely stay local — expect knock-on effects on policy and markets.
Key Takeaways
- We know things will be OK." Additional reporting by Natasha Booty Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
- Mali's army has been working with the Russian paramilitary group, the Africa Corps, which emerged from the Wagner Group, against the insurgents.
- Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Expect more international reaction in the coming hours; this story is far from settled.
Source: BBC World