Following the restart of fighting in the north, Mali’s ruling junta has canceled scheduled independence day celebrations for next week.
In a statement, the council of ministers said the occasion will be “celebrated in sobriety and in the spirit of national revival.”
Junta leader Assimi Goita directed that the monies set aside for this year’s events be used to assist victims of recent violent attacks.
The council also addressed probable reserve mobilization to counter militant assaults.
Despite the deployment of Russia’s Wagner Group mercenaries, insecurity is increasing in the northern and central regions.
