After a conspicuous four-day absence that fueled all sorts of speculation, the head of Mali's transitional government, General Assimi Goïta , reappeared in public on Tuesday, April 28. His address comes amid a major crisis for the junta, marked by unprecedented military setbacks.

A heavy security and political toll

The country is emerging from a dark weekend (April 25 and 26) marked by coordinated attacks of rare intensity carried out jointly by JNIM (jihadists) and the FLA (Azawad rebels). The toll is colossal for the government in power:

1. Major losses: Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in the clashes.
2. Territorial setback: Rebel forces have regained control of the strategic city of Kidal .
3. Diplomatic isolation: Despite a symbolic meeting with the Russian ambassador on Tuesday, support from Moscow seems to be wavering, as Russian forces have abandoned the Malian army in the face of the rebel offensive.

Goïta's speech: Between firmness and a call for unity

In a televised address lasting about ten minutes, General Goïta attempted to reassure a population gripped by doubt. While acknowledging the "extremely serious" nature of the events, he insisted that the situation was now "under control" .

"Thanks to the composure of our men and the coherence of the chain of command, the enemy's deadly plan was thwarted," he stated, referring to the neutralization of numerous attackers.

The head of state also:

1. Justified the cost of sovereignty: He recalled that the choice of national independence has a price, while calling for social cohesion in the face of the ordeal.
2. He warned against disinformation: He urged Malians to be clear-headed, condemning the spread of rumors aimed at creating a climate of panic.
3. Reaffirmed the Russian alliance: Despite the difficulties on the ground, he welcomed the cooperation with its strategic partners, with the Russian Federation at the forefront.

Bamako under threat of a blockade

The situation remains precarious, however. At the very moment when General Goïta is calling for calm, jihadists affiliated with al-Qaeda have announced the establishment of a new blockade around Bamako .

This siege, which aims to strangle the capital by controlling the flow of goods and people, is forcing the Malian army into a massive redeployment on the city's outskirts. This strategy is compelling the authorities to weaken other fronts, making the simultaneous fight against rebels in the north and jihadists in the south increasingly perilous.