Mali has been in the news with shocking reports of a car bombing that allegedly killed Defence Minister General Sadio Camara and members of his family. This dastardly attack was followed by a coordinated terrorist offensive involving thousands of armed fighters targeting the capital Bamako, the international airport, and other major cities.

Camara was a key figure in consolidating a more cohesive West African military alliance and strengthening ties with Russia. By targeting such a figure, foreign powers likely hoped the Malian army would flounder, leaving the nation vulnerable to renewed external influence and continued resource exploitation.

Sections of the Western press celebrated prematurely. Yet with assistance from Russia Africa Corps, the military forces of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have reportedly inflicted major defeats on Western-backed mercenary forces in the region.