Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goïta, has appointed himself defense minister following the death of his predecessor, Sadio Camara, who was killed in a suicide truck bombing. The move comes amid a worsening security crisis triggered by coordinated attacks in April by the separatist group, the Azawad Liberation Front, and al-Qaeda-linked JNIM insurgents. Assisted by the newly appointed Minister Delegate, Gen. Oumar Diarra, Goïta now holds dual control over the presidency and the military. This consolidation comes as the JNIM and FLA rebel alliance continues a partial blockade of the capital, Bamako, and as the government investigates internal complicity among soldiers. To counter the threat, Mali has launched joint air strikes with fellow Alliance of Sahel States members, Niger and Burkina Faso, marking a desperate push to regain territory following the recent loss of the northern city of Kidal.
BBC
