Islamists Kill 13 During Eid Celebrations In Mali

At least 13 civilians have been killed by jihadists in south-eastern Mali.

Several other people were also injured in the attack in Gao province which coincided with Eid celebrations, but it’s not clear if that timing was intentional.

The attack happened on Wednesday, just days ahead of a vote scheduled for Friday at the UN Security Council which is expected to approve Mali’s request for UN peacekeepers to withdraw from the country.

A draft resolution drawn up by France suggests that all personnel are withdrawn within six months.

The withdrawal of the mission, known as Minusma, would come after years of tensions between the UN and Mali’s military junta.

Analysts fear that the security situation could deteriorate, leaving the Russian mercenary group Wagner to combat Islamist militants who control large parts of the country.

Yet journalist Mohamed Golfa in the capital, Bamako, tells the BBC that many in Mali agree with the transitional government that the UN peacekeepers aren’t doing a good enough job.

Source: BBC