An attack on a nightclub in Mali’s capital Bamako has left five people dead and eight others injured. Three European nationals are among the dead
An attack on a nightclub in Mali’s capital Bamako has left five people dead and eight others injured.
Three European nationals are among the dead, including one French and one Belgian citizen. A Malian policeman and a security guard were also killed.
Intelligence officials say that two people have been arrested in connection with the incident which took place at La Terrasse, a restaurant popular with expatriates
French President Francois Hollande condemned the attack as “cowardly”, while the French embassy in Mali said on Saturday it had alerted its citizens and beefed up security.
France has more than 3,000 soldiers in West Africa as part of a counter-insurgency force against al Qaeda-linked militants. French forces took control of northern Mali two years ago but insurgents continue to mount attacks.
Mali’s government signed a preliminary peace proposal earlier this week meant to end fighting with northern separatists, but the rebels demanded more time before agreeing to any accord.