Mali’s army has pledged to pursue the insurgents responsible for a deadly ambush on a convoy heading to a gold mine, an attack that left at least 25 people dead. The assault took place on Friday in the village of Kobe, a region known for insurgent activity.
According to local officials, the convoy, which included foreign civilians, was being escorted by Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries when it was attacked by armed assailants. The Malian Armed Forces reported that 25 civilians were killed, 13 others—mostly foreign gold miners—were injured, and 19 attackers were also found dead at the scene. A local politician suggested the death toll could be as high as 32, including soldiers.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has faced growing security challenges since 2012, with insurgencies spreading across the country despite multiple military takeovers. The unrest has also destabilized neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. Military rulers in the region have vowed to reclaim control over natural resources, arguing that foreign operators have exploited them unfairly.
The Malian army has vowed to bring those responsible for the attack to justice as the country continues to battle insecurity that has severely impacted its gold production and broader stability.