Mali president Goita escapes stabbing attack

Mali’s interim President Assimi Goita was the target of an attempted stabbing attack during Eid al-Adha prayers at Bamako’s Grand Mosque, the presidency said in a statement on Twitter on Tuesday.

“The attacker was immediately overpowered by security. Investigations are ongoing,” the presidency said.

Two military sources reported that Goita was unharmed.

Goita, a 38-year-old special forces colonel, took power in June following his second overthrow of a president in nine months.

Olajumoke Adeleke/Reuters