Can Mali’s army really crush jihadists while Goïta extends a hand to ‘brothers’?
In a televised and radio address on Monday evening, Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, made a dual pledge that raises a strategic question: can Bamako simultaneously intensify its military campaign against armed jihadist groups and open a dialogue for “reconciliation between Malian brothers”? The speech, delivered on the eve of the country’s Independence Day, comes amid a sharp spike in attacks on Malian forces.
A call for dialogue amid deepening insecurity
In his address, Goïta reaffirmed his commitment to defending Mali’s territorial integrity and national unity, while expressing openness to dialogue. “While remaining open to dialogue and reconciliation between Malian brothers, our firm will to defend the integrity of our territory and national unity remains intact,” he declared. He also promised to step up the fight against armed jihadist groups, as Malian forces face a resurgence of attacks. “In this context, the fight against insecurity and armed terrorist groups will be further strengthened,” he added.
66ÈME ANNIVERSAIRE : VŒUX DE BONNE FÊTE D’INDÉPENDANCE pic.twitter.com/4UHkt0JkjM
— Presidence Mali (@PresidenceMali) September 21, 2026
More than 100 soldiers killed in Dioura
This speech follows several attacks on Malian forces in recent weeks. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has claimed or been accused of multiple operations against military positions. On September 10, an assault on the Dioura camp in central Mali killed more than 100 Malian soldiers, according to available information. Several dozen others were taken prisoner. This particularly deadly attack marked another setback for the Malian army, which has been battling jihadist groups for years.
L’Adresse à la Nation du Président de la Transition, Son Excellence le Général d’Armée Assimi GOÏTA, Chef de l’État, à l’occasion du 66e anniversaire de l’indépendance du Mali.https://t.co/kkhAEefRUM
— Presidence Mali (@PresidenceMali) September 21, 2026
Tribute to fallen soldiers and strengthened Russian support
In his speech, Goïta paid tribute to soldiers killed in combat and praised their sacrifice in defending the nation. He also reaffirmed his intention to bolster the Malian army’s capabilities, mentioning continued cooperation with Russia, which has become Bamako’s main strategic partner since the gradual withdrawal of French forces and several Western partners. Mali celebrates the 66th anniversary of its independence on Tuesday, September 22. The ceremonies take place in a particularly tense security environment, as jihadist groups continue to attack security forces and seek to expand their influence in several regions of the country.
