• Assimi Goïta assumes defense portfolio after reshuffle

• Move follows deadly attacks and the death of former defense minister

• Security situation worsens as jihadist groups step up operations

Mali’s transitional leader Assimi Goïta has taken direct control of the defense ministry, tightening his grip on the security apparatus at a time of escalating militant attacks.

In a statement read on state television on May 4, the presidency announced that Goïta would now serve as minister of defense and veterans, in addition to his roles as president, head of state, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

A separate decree removed General Sadio Camara from his position as minister of state and defense minister. General Omar Diarra was appointed minister delegate to the defense ministry, with specific responsibilities to be defined later. In the official protocol order, he ranks immediately after the minister of state.

The reshuffle comes just days after General Camara was killed during coordinated attacks on April 25.

A worsening security outlook

Mali is facing a surge in attacks led by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, as well as the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA). These groups have stepped up assaults on military targets in Bamako, Kati, and northern regions.

The situation reflects a broader regional trend. A similar attack took place in neighboring Niger on March 8–9 at the Tahoua air base, where several attackers were killed and five suspects arrested.

The rising violence adds pressure on Mali’s security forces and complicates efforts to stabilize the country.

At the same time, Mali is working to recover from an economic slowdown in 2025, driven by lower gold production, energy supply disruptions, and ongoing insecurity.

The International Monetary Fund projects growth of 5.5% in 2026, up from 4.1% in 2025, based on expectations of improved security conditions and a rebound in gold output, a key pillar of the national economy.

Charlène Ndimon