On 20 July 2021, unidentified individuals attacked transitional President Assimi Goita during Eid al-Adha prayers in the Great Mosque, located in the capital Bamako. Preliminary reports indicate that two assailants attempted to stab the president, who has since issued a statement declaring that he is doing “very well.” At least one person was injured in the attack. According to the religious affairs minister, one assailant has been detained.
Analyst Comment: Assimi Goita assumed the presidency following a second coup in May, when he and military officials ousted then-interim President Bah N’Daw and interim Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Goita and other members of the military junta accused former leaders of the transitional government of appointing officials without consulting Goita.
