Regional coalition strikes back after coordinated attacks in Mali

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, executed intense aerial operations within Malian territory following a series of coordinated offensives by al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg separatists. According to Niger’s government, these prompt and vigorous air campaigns were launched in direct response to the largest coordinated assault on Mali in 15 years.

Key events leading to the joint military response

• April 25, 2026: Militant groups launched coordinated attacks targeting key locations, including the northern city of Kidal, which was seized during the offensive.
• The assault resulted in the fatality of Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara, further escalating the security crisis in the region.
• Jihadist and separatist forces, operating under al-Qaeda affiliations, intensified their campaign against the Malian junta and its allies.

Strengthened regional cooperation against terrorism

The AES was established as a collective defense mechanism, initially deploying a 5,000-strong joint force that was later expanded to 15,000 troops in mid-April to counter the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel.

Niger’s authorities issued a statement praising the rapid and decisive actions of the unified force, which conducted intense air campaigns in Gao, Menaka and Kidal within hours of the attacks. The government emphasized the prompt response as a critical measure to restore stability.

Political context and regional tensions

All three AES member states are governed by military juntas that assumed power through coups between 2020 and 2023. Their collective stance against terrorism has been accompanied by heightened skepticism toward external influences, particularly from France.

The Malian junta, backed by Russian paramilitary groups, has faced intensified criticism from regional leaders. Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister Celestin Simpore, speaking on behalf of the AES during Sadio Camara’s funeral, vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the assault.

Public demonstrations of solidarity in Niger

In the capital city of Niamey, approximately 1,000 people gathered at the Djado Sekou Cultural Center to express solidarity with Mali. Protesters chanted slogans such as “down with the imperialists”, “down with the terrorists and their sponsors”, and “long live the AES”. A portrait of the slain Defence Minister was prominently displayed during the event.

Effred Mouloul, a spokesperson for the organizing coalition of civil society groups, declared, “To the Malian people, we say: You are not alone. The active forces of Niger and the AES stand by your side, expressing full and complete solidarity.”

He further criticized African leaders for failing to show visible solidarity in response to the targeted assassination of Mali’s leadership and called for the removal of French military presence from the region.

Niger’s government has repeatedly alleged that foreign powers, including France, are sponsoring attacks in Mali. While Niger accuses France of attempting to destabilize the region, Paris has denied these claims.

In light of the ongoing security threats, Niger has canceled all May 1st parade events across the country to prioritize public safety.