Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, called for dialogue and reconciliation among Malians in a televised address on Monday, September 21, 2026, ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Day on Tuesday, September 22.
Goïta, however, pledged to intensify military operations against armed groups as the country faces a resurgence of terrorist attacks. “While remaining open to dialogue and reconciliation among Malian brothers, our firm will to defend the integrity of our territory and national unity remains intact,” he said.
His address followed a September 10 attack by the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims on a military camp in Dioura, central Mali. More than 100 soldiers were reportedly killed and several dozen others captured.
Goïta paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and promised to strengthen Mali’s defence capabilities in partnership with Russia.