Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

IS kills 29; Mali claims control as Sudan fades.

4/29/2026

45 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Islamic State Strikes

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack in Adamawa State, Nigeria, that killed at least 29 people.
Mali’s interim president Assimi Goïta appeared on video for the first time since coordinated attacks, saying security is under control.
The address to the nation said the security situation is under control.
Analysts noted that international attention to the war in Sudan is waning.

Left

Insurgents Seize Kidal

Residents on Bamako’s outskirts barricaded homes while the army struggled, sparking civilian panic.
A coordinated assault on Kati military base killed defence minister Sadio Camara, deadliest violence in Mali in fourteen years.
Russian mercenaries withdrew to the Ukraine front, abandoning equipment and a combat helicopter in Mali.
Moscow’s gold ambitions falter as insurgents seize Kidal while the Russian African Corps admits combat.

History

Historical Context

After the 2012 coup that let Islamist groups seize northern Mali, France launched Operation Serval on 11 January 2013, driving militants from key cities and later deploying about 5,000 troops under Barkhane. Persistent jihadist networks, now linked to the Islamic State, have resurfaced in Adamawa and led to the killing of defence minister Sadio Camara, while Wagner forces have begun withdrawing, echoing the earlier cycle of foreign intervention.

1 of 3

Islamic State Strikes

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack in Adamawa State, Nigeria, that killed at least 29 people.
Mali’s interim president Assimi Goïta appeared on video for the first time since coordinated attacks, saying security is under control.
The address to the nation said the security situation is under control.
Analysts noted that international attention to the war in Sudan is waning.

1 / 3