The President of the Malian Transition, General Assimi Goïta, delivered a significant political address on May 27, 2026, from Koulouba. This declaration followed the Eid al-Kebir prayer held within the presidential palace in Bamako. In the presence of the Prime Minister, the President of the National Transitional Council, various government members, and accredited diplomats in Mali, General Goïta publicly redefined terrorism, extending its scope to encompass the media, economic, political, state, and international domains. This move marks a critical development in Mali politics english.
An unusual prayer ceremony
Due to security considerations impacting Bamako, the traditional solemn prayer for Eid al-Kebir did not take place at the customary Grand Mosque of Bagadadji this year. Instead, the banquet hall at Koulouba was specially prepared to host the ceremony. Imam Mahmoud Touré, affiliated with the presidential palace mosque, led the prayers, offering supplications for the enduring peace and stability of Mali.
A multi-faceted discourse
Following the prayer, General Goïta provided a statement to the press, asserting that Mali faces what he termed «terrorisms multiformes». He clarified that the pressures exerted upon the nation are no longer confined to military engagements but now include narratives propagated by the media, economic leverage, and external political interference. «All relentless efforts, perpetuated through manipulated narratives, will not sway the Malian people’s resolve for peace and sovereignty», he declared, underlining a firm stance on Mali current affairs.
The head of state urged all Malians to rally behind the Forces armées maliennes (FAMA) and their partners. He announced the continuation of military operations until the «complete pacification of the country» is achieved. General Goïta also reiterated the irreversible commitment to the national refoundation project, known as Mali Kura.
One month after GSIM and FLA offensive
This pivotal speech comes approximately one month after a coordinated offensive launched by the Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (GSIM) and the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA). This joint action targeted several Malian positions, tragically resulting in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara on April 25, 2026. Since this event, the transitional authorities have intensified their appeals for national cohesion. Aerial and ground operations led by the FAMA and the Corps africain are actively ongoing across the regions of Ségou, Kidal, and Ménaka.