On April 25th, days before the start of Afrikan Liberation Month, a deadly, well planned, resourced and co-ordinated terrorist attack was launched on the west Afrikan state of Mali, a member of the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES). (1)
This is significant not least because for many Pan-Afrikanists, the AES represents the leading edge of the liberation fight today. Although Burkina Faso president Captain Ibrahim Traore is seen as the symbol of this movement, it’s worth noting that the people’s popular coups that lead to the formation of the AES began with Mali in 2021, lead by General Assimi Goïta and in which influential defence minister, General Sadio Camara – killed in the April 25th attacks – played a key role. This could be said to be part of their modern historical legacy given that Modibo Keita, their founding Pan-Afrikan president forged the Mali Federation with Senegal and later joined the Ghana-Guinea-Mali Union of African States. (2)
The state decapitation attempt was led by the previously adversarial terrorist factions al-Qaeda affiliated jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). (3)
In the wake of the attacks European media outlets, progressive groups and online influencers refrained from condemning the terrorist onslaught, preferring to (prematurely) trumpet the fall of the administration. The swift and overwhelming response from the Malian government, along with its AES allies and Russia’s Africa Corps has garnered scant coverage in the colonial press. (4)
In fact, now that they have been ousted from the region, France no longer appears to consider them terrorists, referring to them as “rebels” or “fighters.” This may be why characters like FLA head Bilal Ag Acherif can tour Europe with impunity and can be regularly platformed in the their media with some even suggesting they have “legitimate grievances” because they’ve wanted their own state, or at least autonomy, for decades. (5)
It would be hard to consider it coincidence however, that the newly unified aims of JNIM and FLA neatly dovetails with not only France’s but the European world’s (e.g. EU/NATO) strategic objectives for the region. More than this, they are driving the terrorists’ aims and objectives. The amassing of 12,000 combatants, many adorned in Malian military uniform engaging in a simultaneous multi-pronged offensive is way beyond the capacity of a rag tag bunch of miscreants. In fact, intelligence from Africa Corps indicates strategic planning of the attack by France and Ukraine, ultilising a NATO supply chain and apparently consent from neighbouring Algeria. (6)
Mali and the AES have thoroughly vanquished the biggest regime change attempt in over a decade but it is unlikely to be the last. The presents questions not only for the west Afrikan region but the continent as a whole. In the first instance it must be a concern that at a time when the colonial powers, along with EU/NATO wanabees Ukraine are plotting attacks on Afrikan sovereignty, Ghana and Nigeria are signing “security agreements” with these inimical forces. (7)
It appears that Somalia, on the opposite coast is taking it seriously with their security Minister, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag visiting Burkina Faso for an official visit “aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation.” Will the neighbours that remain in the crosshairs follow suit? The liberation of the continent depends on it.
(1) Abayomi Azikiwe (07/05/26) Mali Attacked by Western-backed Rebels. https://www.globalresearch.ca/mali-attacked-western-backed-rebels/5925293
(2) Cassius J Kalany (18/12/25) The Alliance of Sahel States must win! https://revolutionarycommunist.org/africa/africa-africa/the-alliance-of-sahel-states-must-win/
(3) Hussein Ba and Rama Yade (01/05/26) What can save Mali from collapse? https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africasource/what-can-save-mali-from-collapse/
(4) Nicholas Mwangi (28/04/26) NATO countries fail to condemn deadly terror attacks in Mali. https://peoplesdispatch.org/2026/04/28/nato-countries-fail-to-condemn-deadly-terror-attacks-in-mali/
(5) Africa Intelligence (10/06/25) Rebel leader Bilal Ag Acherif’s European trip irks Bamako. https://www.africaintelligence.com/west-africa/2025/10/06/rebel-leader-bilal-ag-acherif-s-european-trip-irks-bamako,110529238-gra; Andrew Korybko (27/04/26) The Tuareg Rebels in Mali: Five Reasons Why Counterinsurgency Remains a Challenge. https://www.globalresearch.ca/five-reasons-counterinsurgency-challenge-mali/5923959
(6) Frontline Africa (07/05/26) Mali Encircle Kidal—Western Weapons Expose Foreign Backing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFgHc5SLReg
(7) Ali Othmen (29/04/26) FLA and JNIM: Two sides of the same threat to African unity. https://www.seneweb.com/en/news/Contribution/fla-and-jnim-two-sides-of-the-same-threat-to-african-unity-by-ali-othmen_n_491126.html; Wedaeli Chibelushi (24/03/26) Ghana and EU sign landmark defence deal to combat militant Islamist threat. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87w80xe1jro; Ochochenemi Onje (23/03/26) Nigeria, EU advance €700m Security cooperation, deepen strategic ties. https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigeria-eu-advance-e700m-security-cooperation-deepen-strategic-ties/
Who’s behind the attack on Mali?
1) Is Mali continuing the Pan-Afrikan legacy of Modibo Keita?
2) Are JNIM & FLA terrorists or rebels with “legitimate grievances”?
3) Will the attack change the AES?
4) How should the continent and the Afrikan world respond?
Our Special Guests:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of over 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
Bro Oumar Diao: is the President of the High Council of Malians in the United Kingdom, the official body representing and uniting the Malian diaspora across the UK. A dedicated and influential leader, he has been instrumental in strengthening community cohesion, promoting Malian culture, and ensuring that the voice of Malians abroad is heard at both national and international levels.
Under his leadership, the Council continues to play a vital role in supporting its community while building bridges between the United Kingdom and Mali. Mr Diao remains deeply committed to unity, progress, and the advancement of Malians at home and across the diaspora.
Bro. Ibrahim Diakité: is the Vice President of the High Council of Malians in the United Kingdom and serves as Minister of Investment, where he is at the forefront of shaping the economic direction and strategic vision of the Malian diaspora. He plays a pivotal role in mobilising capital, fostering high level partnerships, and positioning Malians abroad as a powerful force for development and influence.
A seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, Mr Diakité operates at the intersection of business, leadership, and international engagement. Known for his strategic mindset and disciplined approach, he has built ventures that reflect both ambition and long term vision, while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence and discretion.
Beyond business, he is a prominent advocate for unity, empowerment, and generational progress dedicated to strengthening the voice, identity, and impact of Malians across the United Kingdom and beyond.
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