Paramilitary group claims Western involvement as jihadist alliances strike Bamako; evidence for foreign role remains unverified

By Ifeoma Onyekachi

The Africa Corps has alleged that the wave of coordinated attacks that rocked Mali on Saturday was an attempted coup backed by Western intelligence networks, escalating tensions over foreign influence in the Sahel.

Multiple sites, including the capital Bamako, came under assault from fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). Both groups later claimed responsibility, with the FLA urging Moscow to rethink its support for Mali’s military leadership.

In a statement posted in French on X, Africa Corps said between 10,000 and 12,000 fighters attempted to seize strategic installations in Bamako, including the presidential palace. The group further alleged that “Ukrainian and European mercenaries” were involved in attacks in northern regions such as Kidal and Gao, claiming they deployed Western-made portable air defence systems.

These assertions, however, remain unsubstantiated. There is currently no verified evidence of Ukrainian military presence in Mali, and most European forces have already withdrawn from the country. The European Union Training Mission in Mali formally ended its 11-year deployment in May 2024, while the Takuba Task Force exited earlier following deteriorating relations with Mali’s junta.

Security analysts say the claims highlight growing concerns that Africa particularly the Sahel is becoming an arena for proxy rivalries linked to the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.

Neither Ukrainian nor European authorities have responded to the accusations. However, the European Union condemned the attacks, expressing condolences to victims and reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism efforts and regional stability.

Africa Corps maintained that government forces retained control of key positions, including airfields and installations in Kati, a military hub near Bamako. The group also reported killing over 1,000 attackers, though independent confirmation of casualty figures remains unavailable.

The violence reportedly claimed the life of Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, who was killed in a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack targeting his residence.

Despite claiming tactical gains, Africa Corps acknowledged the security situation remains fragile, noting that several of its personnel were wounded and evacuated.

The incident underscores the persistent instability in Mali, where insurgent violence, political uncertainty, and competing foreign interests continue to intersect.