A tense calm settled over Bamako and the nearby military stronghold of Kati on Monday morning following two days of intense fighting between government forces and armed groups. Despite the quiet on the ground, uncertainty continues to grip the country after the killing of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and the continued absence of junta leader Assimi Goïta from public view.

Mali is facing a fragile security situation after a series of coordinated attacks launched over the weekend by fighters linked to Al-Qaeda, alongside separatist Tuareg rebels associated with the Azawad Liberation Front. The attacks mark one of the most significant escalations in recent years, raising concerns over the stability of the West African nation.

Although gunfire had ceased by Monday, the aftermath of the clashes remained visible across Kati, where burned vehicles and bullet-ridden buildings reflected the intensity of the violence. Military aircraft continued to patrol the skies intermittently, while security forces carried out overnight sweeps aimed at restoring control.

A Malian officer told AFP that security operations throughout the night allowed authorities to reduce the number of checkpoints, adding that residents are now being urged to report any suspicious activity within their neighborhoods.

The violence reached a critical point on Saturday when Defense Minister Camara was killed in a suicide car bombing that targeted his residence in Kati. The attack dealt a significant blow to the ruling military council, which has governed Mali since the 2020 coup.

Local residents described the shock following the announcement of Camara’s death as overwhelming, with one resident saying it felt as though the city had been attacked all over again.

Mali has faced persistent jihadist violence since 2012, with armed groups exploiting political instability and weak state control. The latest escalation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the country as it struggles to contain insurgent threats and maintain internal security.