These replacements come amid intense security pressure and criticism of the effectiveness of troops on the ground. An anonymous senior officer confirmed that the departures were motivated by "insufficient results" and the inability of intelligence to prevent attacks. He said the decision had been made the day before, during a crisis meeting of the Defense Council, and that some of the dismissed officers could face justice.

The positions concerned are:

1. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces: General Keba Sangaré is replaced by Brigadier General Elisée Jean Dao .
2. The director of military security: General Nouhoum Ouattara is replaced by Brigadier General Sambou Minkoro Diakité .
3. The Chief of Staff of the Army: Brigadier General Harouna Samaké is replaced by Brigadier General Toumani Koné .

The official minutes of the Council of Ministers provided no explanation for these changes.

Fuel blockade and isolation of Bamako

Mali has been facing a serious security crisis since 2012, marked by violence from jihadist groups such as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel. The junta, which has been in power since coups in 2020 and 2021, is struggling to control this situation.

Recently, JNIM has intensified its operations with the aim of isolating the capital, Bamako, by increasing attacks on strategic roads. Since September, the group has also implemented a blockade targeting fuel imported from neighboring countries, particularly Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, through which the majority of Malian imports pass. This shortage is beginning to have a significant impact on the country.

Furthermore, since October 17, the JNIM has imposed new rules on travelers, requiring in particular the wearing of veils for women and the separation of genders in urban transport.