Chaos erupted in Bamako, Mali's capital, on September 17, 2024, when armed fighters linked to al-Qaeda targeted both a military police training academy and the nearby airport. This shocking assault claimed the lives of at least 77 people, with estimates even soaring to around 100, raising concerns about government security measures. More than 200 others were injured, overwhelming local hospitals which struggled to accommodate the influx of wounded. The events marked one of the deadliest attacks the country has seen in years, shattering the relative calm of the capital amid rising violence across the Sahel region.
On the fateful morning of the attack, residents reported hearing gunfire and explosions as the violence unfolded. The attack was characterized by its broad scope, targeting facilities right at the heart of Bamako's military infrastructure, which officials had previously claimed were secure. Just hours after the assault began, Modibo Keita International Airport was shut down.
Diplomatic and security sources initially reported casualties but struggled to confirm precise figures due to the chaos. Despite the government's attempts to play down the incident, admitting only to military casualties later, the attack's impact quickly rippled through the populace. Many Malians expressed outrage and demanded accountability from their leaders for what they viewed as catastrophic security failures.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda. This group has been known for its violent campaigns against the Malian government and foreign influences, asserting their mission to rid the country of perceived oppression. Their bold and brazen choice of targets sent alarm bells ringing about the capacity of the Malian military to protect its citizens. Notably, the previous significant incidences of violence within Bamako occurred back in 2015 when attackers targeted high-profile venues frequented by foreigners.
During the lengthy nine-hour attack, videos circulated online showing JNIM fighters firing at military aircraft and destroying parked planes at the airport. Among those damaged was a humanitarian plane operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), which was used for transporting aid workers across remote areas of Mali. WFP spokesperson Djaounsede Madjiangar expressed deep concern, stating, "This reduces our humanitarian response capacity to give to civilians, considering we have several destination points." Such attacks threaten not only immediate security but also hamper relief efforts within the country.
The international community reacted swiftly, with widespread condemnation from figures including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders from neighboring countries. Statements of solidarity poured in, expressing condolences and calling for greater action against violence in the region. Jean-Herve Jezequel, Sahel project director at the International Crisis Group, pointed out the significant message JNIM sought to convey, emphasizing, "They can hit the authorities anywhere, which necessitates increased protection for urban areas."
This brazen attack is viewed as particularly significant, considering Mali's struggle against various militant factions since the armed conflict began over a decade ago, primarily centralized in the north and central regions. With this latest assault occurring closer to home, it raises severe questions about the Malian junta's ability to control the security situation since they seized power during the coup back in 2021. The military government had previously argued they had stabilized Mali following the withdrawal of French forces and had relied heavily on Russian mercenaries, particularly the Wagner Group, to maintain order.
The fallout from the attack has ignited public calls for reform and accountability from the military-led administration. There was visible unrest on social media, as citizens demanded social media users questioned why such catastrophic lapses in security were allowed to happen, particularly when these institutions were supposed to protect against such threats.
This incident not only reflects the challenges faced by the Malian government but also highlights the increasingly dire situation across the Sahel. A surge of violence between government forces and various Islamist militant groups has persisted throughout the region. Reports have shown stark increases, with armed assaults and attacks on civilians significantly rising over the last few years. The situation is exacerbated by the fact many armed groups, including JNIM, have formed alliances and are operational across borders, making them more challenging to combat.
For now, the people of Bamako and Mali at large are left to grapple with the grim reality of insecurity and the continued struggle for peace. Many questions remain about the future governance of Mali and what strides will need to be taken to restore stability. The international community remains watchful, eager to see how Malian authorities will respond—and whether they can reclaim the streets once more from the clutches of violence.
