Regional Governor Malian Timbuktu, Bakoun Kante, has announced a 30-day curfew affecting residents and travelers. The curfew, which runs from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., is effective immediately and could be extended based on security assessments and the needs of national defense. Kante explained that the measure has constitutional backing and will be enforced by the Defense and Security Forces, who are responsible for implementing this decision. The plan to broaden or shorten the curfew will depend on ongoing security evaluations and potential threats.
The announcement follows a condemnation issued by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) earlier this week. An attack on a regional military base led to flight suspensions at Timbuktu airport as authorities investigated the incident. MINUSMA reported that three rockets were fired around 10:35 local time, causing material damage but, fortunately, no reported casualties at the site. The mission clarified that the assault targeted a military installation and raised concerns about overall security in the area. Attribution and responsibility for the attack remain under investigation by Malian authorities and international partners (MINUSMA briefing).
In a statement released by MINUSMA, the blue helmets were described as conducting patrols alongside Malian Armed Forces to secure the camp and the airport and to facilitate the orderly resumption of flights. The mission noted on its social media channel that security remains essential to support the safe drawdown of international personnel and the stability of the region during this period of transition (MINUSMA social update).
The security situation in the region has been marked by intensified clashes between local Tuareg factions and Malian forces. Reports indicate that a Russian mercenary group, Wagner, has been implicated in some of these operations, contributing to rapid changes in withdrawal timelines in several areas due to escalating danger. The evolving conflict has complicated efforts to stabilize the region and to implement any long-term political arrangements amidst a volatile security landscape (regional security briefing).