The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation following a terrorist attack on a military installation in Mali’s capital, Bamako, which was foiled by Malian security forces on Tuesday. The target, the Faladie Gendarmerie School, a training facility for security personnel, was attacked by militants reportedly linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Mali, which left ECOWAS in 2023 to join the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), is facing an escalating security crisis alongside fellow AES members Burkina Faso and Niger. These countries, all ruled by military juntas, are dealing with increasing instability driven by terrorist activities in the region.
ECOWAS extended condolences to the Malian government, families of the victims, and the nation, reaffirming its strong stance against any actions threatening peace and security in West Africa. The regional bloc also reiterated its openness to peace initiatives aimed at fostering stability in the region.
The terrorist attack came shortly after high-level AES diplomats met in Bamako, condemning foreign state sponsors of terrorism and highlighting the region’s challenges. The AES has accused certain foreign countries, including Ukraine, of supporting rebel groups, allegations that Kyiv has consistently denied.
ECOWAS’s relationship with the AES remains tense following the latter’s formation in response to ECOWAS’s military intervention threats against Niger after its coup in 2022. Despite the tensions, ECOWAS maintains that it is committed to peace and continues to offer diplomatic solutions for resolving security crises in the region.
The European Union diplomatic mission in Bamako also condemned the attack, offering condolences and support for the injured and those affected. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel, a region increasingly destabilised by militant groups.
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