The West African bloc, ECOWAS, states that it supports any initiative that promotes peace.

On Wednesday, the West African bloc ECOWAS issued a statement expressing "strong condemnation" of the attacks that struck the capital of Mali the previous day. The junta in Mali has announced its intention to withdraw from the regional organization in response.

The Economic Community of West African States emphasized its firm stance against any terrorist activities that jeopardize peace and security in the region. The bloc reiterated its commitment to supporting any initiatives aimed at fostering peace.

On Tuesday, Bamako, the capital of Mali, was targeted by a deadly assault claimed by an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. This type of attack is unusual for the Malian capital, which is generally less affected by the frequent violence seen in other regions of the country.

The exact number of casualties from the assault on a military police training center and an airport has not been disclosed.

Since 2012, Mali, which has been governed by a military junta following coups in 2020 and 2021, has been plagued by violence from various factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

In January, Mali severed ties with ECOWAS, a move also made by its neighboring countries, Burkina Faso and Niger. These three military-led nations have criticized ECOWAS for not adequately supporting their fight against jihadist insurgents and for allegedly being influenced by former colonial power France.