Defence Minister Sadio Camara has died at the age of 47 following a car bomb explosion that struck his residence in Kati, a key military town near Bamako.
The blast was part of a wider wave of coordinated attacks targeting military installations across the country. Security sites were hit in Bamako, as well as in northern cities including Gao and Kidal, and the central town of Sévaré.
The simultaneous nature of the assaults has raised concerns over possible security and intelligence lapses within Mali’s armed forces.
The attacks have been linked to fighters associated with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, along with Tuareg separatist elements under the Liberation Front of Azawad, who are believed to have carried out operations across multiple regions.
Camara was a prominent figure in Mali’s military leadership following the coups of 2020 and 2021 and was considered one of the most influential members of the ruling junta. His death is seen as a major setback for the country’s defence structure.
Interim president Assimi Goïta is reported to be safe and remains in control from a secured location.
The escalation in violence has sparked international concern, with fears growing over worsening instability in Mali.