Funeral rites for Mali’s late defence minister, Sadio Camara, are set to take place on Thursday following his death in a violent attack that has further shaken the country’s already fragile security situation.
Camara, widely regarded as a key figure in the ruling junta and instrumental in Mali’s growing alliance with Russia, was killed during intense clashes over the weekend. The fighting, which lasted two days, involved the military battling separatist groups and jihadist fighters across several regions.
According to the Malian armed forces, the funeral will be held at the Military Engineering Parade Ground, with a military ceremony expected. Junta leader Assimi Goïta is also scheduled to attend.
The coordinated attacks were reportedly carried out by Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front and jihadists linked to Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The assaults targeted multiple locations across the country, exposing the scale of insecurity facing the military government.
Camara was killed in Kati, a key military town close to the capital, Bamako. Authorities said a suicide bomber drove a car laden with explosives into his residence, leading to his death.
Beyond the attack in Kati, the violence spread across northern and central Mali. Armed groups reportedly seized control of Kidal and launched attacks in Gao, Mopti, and Sévaré, as well as areas surrounding the capital.
In a national address, Goïta described Camara as a “valiant officer” whose death represents a significant loss to the country. The government has since declared two days of national mourning in his honour.
With tensions still high and security concerns lingering, heavy security is expected during the funeral as Mali continues to grapple with escalating insurgent threats.
