Malian Major Defects from Army in Gao

A Malian military officer holding the rank of Major reportedly defected from the armed forces on Friday morning in the northern city of Gao.

According to local sources, the officer, identified as Major Tans Ag Ahmed, was serving within the Malian National Gendarmerie before leaving his unit under circumstances that remain unclear.

Malian authorities and military officials have not yet issued any official statement regarding the reported defection.

The incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in northern Mali, where government forces continue to face armed groups across several regions.

The reasons behind the officer’s departure and whether he has joined any armed or political organization remain unknown.