Explosions, gunfire rock Bamako as Mali Imposes overnight curfew

Authorities in Mali have introduced a nightly curfew in the capital, Bamako, following a series of coordinated attacks that hit the city and several other parts of the country.

The restriction, announced by Bamako Governor Abdoulaye Coulibaly, will run from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for an initial period of 72 hours. It came into effect on April 25, 2026, as security forces launched intensified operations across the capital and surrounding areas.

Officials say the attacks involved a mix of jihadist fighters and separatist groups, marking one of the most serious escalations in Mali’s worsening security situation in recent years.

Casualties and military response

At least 16 people were reported injured during the early phase of the assaults, according to authorities. However, the government has not released a final casualty figure as military operations continue.

The army claimed it responded forcefully, stating that several hundred attackers were “neutralised” during counter-operations. Security officials also described the situation as being largely under control, though sporadic fighting reportedly continued in some locations.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that Defence Minister General Sadio Camara may have been killed after an attack on his residence in Kati, but officials have not verified this claim.

Widespread attacks across regions

The violence was reported across multiple strategic locations, including Bamako and nearby Kati, where explosions and gunfire were heard close to a military base and Modibo Keita International Airport.

Clashes also spread to other regions such as Gao, Mopti, and Sévaré in central and northern Mali. In Kidal, separatist fighters reportedly claimed control of parts of the area following intense fighting with government troops.

There were also reports suggesting involvement of Russian Africa Corps personnel, with indications that a withdrawal arrangement may have followed later developments.

Growing security concerns

The coordinated nature of the attacks has raised alarm among residents and security observers, highlighting the scale of the threat facing the country. Citizens in affected areas have been urged to remain indoors as military operations continue.

Mali has been grappling with instability for over a decade, following a 2012 Tuareg rebellion that evolved into a broader insurgency involving Islamist armed groups.

The country is currently governed by a military administration led by General Assimi Goïta, who took power in 2020 amid promises to restore security and stability. However, planned elections have been repeatedly postponed, with authorities citing logistical and security challenges.

The latest wave of violence underscores ongoing doubts about the government’s ability to fully contain armed groups operating across the country.