Sahel states launch joint strikes in Mali after terrorist attacks

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—executed coordinated airstrikes in northern Mali following a surge in attacks by al-Qaeda-affiliated militants and Tuareg separatists. The Nigerian government confirmed late Thursday that its joint anti-jihadist force conducted intense aerial campaigns in response to the violence.

On April 25, 2026, the militant coalition launched the most significant assault on Mali in 15 years, seizing the strategic town of Kidal and assassinating Defence Minister Sadio Camara during the offensive.

The AES, formed by the three nations, operates a unified military force initially comprising 5,000 troops, later expanded to 15,000 in mid-April to counter regional extremist threats. Authorities in Niger praised the rapid and decisive response of the joint force, stating that aerial operations were executed hours after the attacks in Gao, Menaka, and Kidal.

Rebel demands and regional tensions

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, urged Burkina Faso and Niger to refrain from intervening in Mali‘s internal conflict shortly after the assaults began. The escalation has intensified a broader security crisis in the former French colony, exacerbated by its reliance on Russian paramilitary support.

In a show of solidarity, Burkina Faso‘s Defence Minister, Celestin Simpore, representing the AES, pledged to pursue the perpetrators during Camara‘s funeral on Thursday.

Public demonstrations and geopolitical blame

Around 1,000 people gathered in Niamey, Niger, to demonstrate support for Mali. Protesters at the Djado Sekou Cultural Center chanted slogans condemning foreign interference and terrorist sponsors, while displaying Camara‘s image. Effred Mouloul, a civil society leader, declared, “To the people of Mali, know this: you are not alone. The AES stands with you in full solidarity.”

Mouloul criticized African leaders for failing to condemn the targeted assassinations and demanded the withdrawal of French forces from AES territories. Niger has repeatedly accused France of orchestrating the weekend attacks in Mali, a claim France has denied. In response, Niger canceled all May 1st military parades for security reasons.