Mali’s ruling junta has canceled the scheduled independence anniversary celebrations due to escalating tensions in the northern region.
Assimi Goïta, the leader of the junta, addressed the nation and assured the deployment of defense and security forces across the country.
He emphasized that, after a decade of foreign forces’ presence on Malian soil, the nation has chosen to take charge of its security, suspecting that foreign involvement has contributed to insecurity and dependency.
The Malian military is seeking assistance from Russia to regain sovereignty, even though they do not yet have control over significant portions of the territory.
During his speech, Assimi Goita expressed gratitude to Russia and other sincere partners for their invaluable support in protecting Mali’s sovereignty amid complex regional and international tensions.
In September, Tuareg-dominated groups resumed operations against the Malian army in the north, following months of strained relations with the government. Despite a 2015 peace agreement with the central government aimed at ending hostilities stemming from the 2012 independence and Salafist uprisings, tensions continue to persist.
