Mali’s toughest question: can Goïta really fight jihadists and reconcile at the same time?
In a rare radio and television address on Monday evening, Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, laid out a dilemma that now defines his country’s future: intensify the war against armed jihadist groups while simultaneously extending an olive branch to fellow Malians. The dual message, delivered on the eve of the 66th independence anniversary, raises a crucial question — can a state escalate its military campaign and still bring divided communities back together?
A call for dialogue amid deepening insecurity
During the address, Goïta reaffirmed his commitment to defending Mali’s territorial integrity and national unity, while insisting he remains open to talks. “While remaining open to dialogue and reconciliation between Malian brothers, our firm determination 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 sharp rise in 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
The speech came after a series of attacks on Malian forces in recent weeks. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has claimed or been accused of several operations against military positions. On September 10, an assault on the Dioura camp in central Mali killed more than 100 Malian soldiers and led to dozens of others being taken prisoner. That 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
Honouring fallen soldiers and deepening ties with Russia
In his remarks, Goïta paid tribute to soldiers killed in combat and praised their sacrifice in defence of the homeland. He also reiterated his intention to strengthen the Malian army’s capabilities, pointing to continued cooperation with Russia, which has become Bamako’s main strategic partner since French forces and several Western partners gradually withdrew. Mali marks the 66th anniversary of its independence on Tuesday, September 22, with ceremonies taking place in a particularly tense security environment as jihadist groups keep attacking security forces and seek to expand their influence in several regions.
