Senegal condemns deadly terror attacks in Bamako, expresses solidarity with Mali

Senegal has become the first West African nation to condemn the September 17 terrorist attacks on military targets in Bamako, Mali, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries.

In a statement released by the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs on Thursday, September 19, the Senegalese government expressed deep sorrow over the assaults, which struck Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport and a gendarmerie training school in Faladié.

Dakar condemned “in the strongest terms all attempts to undermine Mali’s integrity” and reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Malian government and people.

Senegal also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The attacks, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, September 17, were orchestrated by a group of jihadists linked to the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

They targeted the gendarmerie school on the outskirts of Bamako, while another group simultaneously launched an assault on the Modibo Keita International Airport, reportedly damaging several aircraft.

Videos released by the attackers showed the extent of the destruction.

The Malian military later confirmed losses of both personnel and equipment but did not provide specific details.

In a statement on its propaganda platform “al Zallaqa,” JNIM claimed responsibility for the attacks, boasting of having killed “hundreds” of people, including Malian armed forces and members of the Russian private military group Wagner.

The group further claimed to have destroyed six aircraft, including a drone.

The United States, through its Bureau of African Affairs, expressed “deep sorrow” and extended its condolences to the affected families.

Washington reaffirmed its support for Mali’s efforts to unite and foster stability and peace in the region.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also condemned the “acts of violence that threaten the peace and security” of the region.

ECOWAS reiterated its commitment to supporting Mali’s efforts to restore peace and stability, while firmly opposing all forms of terrorism.