Malian diaspora gathers in Paris in show of support for the junta

Hundreds of Malians gathered in Montreuil, near Paris, on Monday in a show of support for Mali’s ruling junta after coordinated attacks in their home country.

The rally came after a weekend of violence in Mali that Reuters and other outlets said killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara and marked one of the largest coordinated attacks in more than a decade. Africanews reported that the diaspora gathering was held as many in the community reacted to the shock of the assault.

The weekend offensive has been described as a major escalation involving jihadist and separatist fighters, with the military saying it repelled the attacks and insurgent groups claiming gains in the north. Reporting over the past several days has also described a fragile calm returning to parts of Bamako and Kati, while the status of Kidal remains disputed.

The Paris-area rally adds a political and symbolic dimension to the crisis, showing support for the junta at a time when its authority and military response are under pressure. It also reflects how the conflict is resonating well beyond Mali’s borders, including among diaspora communities in France.

Questions remain about the final casualty count, the situation on the ground in Kidal, and whether Mali’s authorities will provide a fuller official account of the attacks.