Mali’s Goïta: ‘Situation Under Control’ After ‘Extreme Gravity’ Attacks; Vows ‘Complete Neutralization’ of Perpetrators
Reflecto News | Africa | Sahel Crisis
BAMAKO — In his first public address since a devastating nationwide assault on April 25, Mali’s interim President Assimi Goïta assured citizens that the “situation is under control” and vowed the “complete neutralization” of those responsible for an offensive he described as being of “extreme gravity.”
The speech, his first since the coordinated attacks shook the capital Bamako and other strategic cities across the country, came as an Al-Qaeda affiliate (JNIM) and Tuareg-led rebels (CSP-DPA) claimed responsibility for the deadliest blow to the military junta since it seized power .
💬 ‘Extreme Gravity’: Goïta Addresses the Nation
Speaking in a televised address, Goïta confirmed that the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) had regained control of all affected localities following the “cowardly and terrorist acts.” The president honored the memory of the soldiers who fell in battle, as well as the civilians killed, offering his “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims .
“These attacks were of extreme gravity. But I promise you, the situation is under control. The enemies of peace will be completely neutralized. I call on the people not to panic or fall into division and national fracture.”
— Colonel Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition, Mali
Goïta also had strong words for social media users amplifying the panic. “The attitude of some who orchestrate the amplification of panic and lies on social networks is totally irresponsible,” he said . He warned that speculators who hike up food prices during a crisis may be prosecuted .
🎯 New Phase of Conflict: ‘They Lost… They Will Never Return’
In a clear message to both the rebels and external backers, Goïta announced that the war has entered a decisive new stage. He declared that the country’s reconquest of Kidal was irreversible and that the national army has now “changed dimension.”
“They suffered losses, they lost Kidal forever… They will never return. The army has changed dimension,” Goïta stated . The president reiterated that the Malian people will not give up their sovereignty: “We will never give up our dignity” .
According to a report by Malijet, Goïta stressed that citizens should immediately resume their regular activities in complete safety, as “the military situation is completely under control.” He credited the bravery of the Malian forces alongside their “foreign partners”—a clear reference to the Russian Wagner/Africa Corps mercenaries, who have been fighting alongside the junta .
💀 Casualties and ‘Kidal Betrayal’
The April 25 assault was a large-scale, multi-pronged attack. Russian Defense Ministry-affiliated channels claimed that its “Africa Corps” advisors helped repel the assault, claiming to have killed some 2,500 attackers.
However, other sources report that the victory came at a high cost. Civil society groups claim at least 30 civilians were killed in central Mali as collateral damage . Crucially, in the city of Kidal, Russian forces reportedly “retreated” from key positions, an outcome local sources have described as a “betrayal” by the mercenaries. A Tuareg rebel source told RFI that the rebels still control significant portions of the Kidal region despite the heavy drone strikes .
📢 International Reactions
The African Union and ECOWAS have expressed concern over the escalating violence but have not yet imposed new sanctions on the junta. The United Nations (MINUSMA) called for restraint and respect for civilians.
The UN Security Council issued a condemnation of the attacks, though members remain divided over the presence of the Russian contingent, which the West views as a destabilizing factor.
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| The Address | President Goïta said situation is “under control” despite “extreme gravity” of attacks . |
| The Vow | Promised “complete neutralization” of those responsible; warned against panic . |
| The ‘Betrayal’ | Conflicting reports that Russian mercenaries retreated from Kidal—a major rebel propaganda victory . |
| Human Cost | Civil society sources report 30+ civilian deaths . |
| Control of Kidal | Goïta claims army has “changed dimension” and Kidal is “lost forever” for rebels . |
| Sanctions | AU and ECOWAS concerned but no new sanctions announced yet potentially waiting to see if Russians stay. |
| Press Inquiry | Russian MoD cited; no response from Mali’s Defense Ministry on specifics of Kidal retreat yet . |
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