Gambiaj.com – (BAMAKO, Mali) – Mali’s junta leader, General Assimi Goïta, has dismissed and replaced three senior army officers as the military continues to face mounting challenges in its fight against jihadist groups across the country.
Among those promoted is General Toumani Koné, the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, who previously commanded the Sévaré theater of operations in central Mali, one of the regions most affected by jihadist insurgencies.
Military insiders describe General Koné as a seasoned officer who is well-acquainted with the terrain and capable of identifying key leaders of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), one of the most active jihadist coalitions in the Sahel.
His appointment, however, raises questions about whether his mandate will include exploring non-military approaches to the crisis, as some in Bamako suggest that dialogue may be needed alongside force.
Two other generals have also been promoted in the reshuffle. General Élisée Jean Dao has been named Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
A former diplomat, he previously served as Mali’s ambassador to Gabon and China before returning to military command. Dao, who hails from the National Guard, is known to be close to Defense Minister Colonel Sadio Camara.
Another trusted ally of the Defense Minister, General Sambou Minkoro Diakité, has been appointed head of military security. A top graduate of his military class, General Diakité is expected to deliver concrete results amid worsening security conditions.
According to military sources, the outgoing senior officers were formally dismissed. The reshuffle comes as Mali’s forces face significant operational difficulties, including a month-long jihadist-imposed fuel blockade that has severely affected both military logistics and civilian life across several regions.
The changes reflect growing pressure on General Goïta’s junta to restore stability in a country still grappling with insurgent attacks and economic strain despite years of military campaigns and political transitions.
