Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a stern condemnation on Wednesday in response to terrorist attacks that struck Mali’s capital, Bamako, on Tuesday. The deadly assault, which targeted a military police training center and the city’s airport, was claimed by a group linked to Al-Qaeda. While Bamako has typically been spared from the violence affecting northern and central regions of Mali, the recent attack highlights the growing instability in the West African nation.
In its statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed its firm stance against terrorism, expressing its “unwavering commitment to supporting peace initiatives” that promote stability and security in the region. The bloc condemned any actions that threaten the safety of the Malian people and pledged to stand behind efforts aimed at countering extremist violence.
The attack comes at a time of escalating tensions between Mali and ECOWAS, with the ruling military junta in Bamako recently announcing its intention to withdraw from the regional organization. This decision, which follows Mali’s earlier severance of ties with ECOWAS in January, also aligns with similar moves by Burkina Faso and Niger. The three military-led countries have accused ECOWAS of being ineffective in supporting their fight against jihadist insurgencies and overly influenced by former colonial power France.
The political relationship between Mali and ECOWAS has been strained since the junta’s rise to power in a series of coups between 2020 and 2021. Mali has since faced mounting insurgencies from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, causing widespread instability and displacement. Despite military efforts, large parts of the country remain under the control of extremist groups, with violence frequently spilling over into neighboring countries.
Details regarding the exact number of casualties from Tuesday’s attack have not yet been released by the Malian authorities. However, the assault on a key security training facility in the heart of the capital underscores the extent of the growing threat, as militants appear to be expanding their operations beyond the traditional conflict zones in the north.
ECOWAS, which has long played a role in mediating political crises in West Africa, is grappling with its own challenges as the region sees an increase in military-led governments. While the organization seeks to uphold democratic governance and regional security, the rising insurgencies in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger highlight the limits of its influence.
With Mali’s formal departure from ECOWAS now looming, the country’s future in terms of both regional diplomacy and its internal security remains uncertain. The junta has prioritized strengthening its military capacity and seeks partnerships beyond West Africa, notably with Russia’s Wagner Group. Meanwhile, the international community, including ECOWAS, continues to call for more robust efforts to combat terrorism and restore democratic governance.
As Mali navigates its complex political and security landscape, the people of Bamako now face the chilling reality of violence reaching their capital, a city that had long been considered a sanctuary from the war ravaging other parts of the country.
Since the 2012 Tuareg rebellion and the subsequent rise of jihadist groups, Mali has been embroiled in a security crisis that has deeply affected its northern and central regions. Following military coups in 2020 and 2021, the country has been under military rule, which has complicated relations with international partners, including ECOWAS. The withdrawal of French and European military support in recent years has also left a vacuum in counter-terrorism operations, with Russia emerging as a key ally for the Malian government.
