ECOWAS condemns deadly Jihadist attack in Mali

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the recent jihadist attacks on Mali’s capital, Bamako, which occurred on Tuesday.

The deadly assault, claimed by an Al-Qaeda-linked group, targeted a military police training centre and the city’s airport. While the capital is typically spared from such attacks, northern and central regions of Mali experience these incidents almost daily.

In a statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS reiterated its condemnation of any terrorist activity that threatens the peace and security of West Africa, reaffirming its commitment to initiatives that promote peace in the region.

The attacks come amid Mali’s strained relationship with ECOWAS, as the country, under military rule following coups in 2020 and 2021, officially cut ties with the regional body earlier this year.

Alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali’s junta has criticized ECOWAS for not providing adequate support in the fight against insurgents and for being influenced by France, the region’s former colonial power.