what lies ahead for Mali’s military government after a bold rebel attack?

The recent coordinated offensive by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has sent shockwaves through West Africa. Gunfire, explosions, and the assassination of Mali’s Defence Minister marked a historic day for the country.

Residents in Bamako, Kidal, and other cities woke to a sudden assault that led to the withdrawal of Malian and Russian forces from northern regions. The scale of the offensive has raised serious questions about the resilience of the junta led by Col Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a coup in 2020.