BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — A former Malian minister and critic of the ruling junta was abducted from his home by armed, hooded men, one of his family members told The Associated Press Sunday, as fallout spreads from a wave of armed attacks against the government in the conflict-battered West African nation.
Mountaga Tall’s home in the capital, Bamako, was stormed shortly before midnight on Saturday, his relative Mahmoud Touré told AP. The men did not identify themselves, nor did they say why they were seizing Tall, but Touré said they were from the armed forces.
“They did not explain why and did not present an arrest warrant,” he said. “The soldiers mistreated Mountaga Tall’s wife and took his phone.”
Tall served as Mali's education and science minister from 2016 to 2017 and is the president of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political party opposed to the military government. As a lawyer, he represents politicians and other individuals who have been arrested for criticizing the junta.
Mali was struck on April 26 by one of the biggest coordinated attacks on its army in Bamako and several other cities by jihadis and rebels who seized several towns and military bases. Several people were killed in the attack including the defense minister, Sadio Camara.
The Islamic militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led separatist group, jointly launched the heaviest attack on the government since 2012.
On Friday the military government said it had evidence that soldiers collaborated with the groups to launch the attacks. It has since carried out a wave of arrests.
Tall's family said they have filed a complaint “regarding kidnapping and disappearance” with the security forces. The government has not commented on the arrests.
An ariel view of Bamako, Mali, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo)
MILAN (AP) — AC Milan and Juventus risk losing their Champions League places as city rival Inter Milan closes in on the Serie A title
Milan was reduced to 10 men and beaten 2-0 at Sassuolo on Sunday for its fourth loss in seven matches. Then Juventus drew 1-1 with relegated Hellas Verona.
Inter, meanwhile, can seal the title with a draw against visiting Parma later.
Third-placed Milan was left only two points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus, which is just three points ahead of fifth-placed Como, which is trying to get into the top four and secure a Champions League spot.
Three rounds remain in the Italian league.
Domenico Berardi scored early on for Sassuolo for his 12th career goal against Milan and Fikayo Tomori was sent off before Armand Lauriente doubled the advantage after the break.
Milan has scored only one goal in its last five matches.
Christian Pulisic, who came on in the second half, extended his goalless streak to a career-high 17 league matches.
Juventus also dropped points at home against Verona but extended its unbeaten run to nine matches.
Kieron Bowie put Verona ahead after intercepting a pass from Juventus defender Gleison Bremer then Dusan Vlahovic equalized for Juventus with a free kick around Verona’s wall for his first goal since October.
Also, Bologna was held 0-0 by Cagliari in a regional derby.
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Inter Milan fans cheer as Inter Milan team bus arrives at the stadium prior to a Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Parma, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Hellas Verona in Turin, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Tano Pecoraro/LaPresse via AP)
Inter Milan fans cheer as Inter Milan team bus arrives at the stadium prior to a Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Parma, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram warms up prior to the Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Parma, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Inter Milan team bus arrives at the stadium surrounded by supporters prior to a Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Parma, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Sassuolo's Kristian Thorstvedt, left, fights for the ball with Milan's Ardon Jashari during an Italian Serie A soccer match between Sassuolo and Milan in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Gianni Santandrea/LaPresse via AP)
Players celebrate Sassuolo Domenico Berardi's first goal of the game during an Italian Serie A soccer match between Sassuolo and Milan in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Gianni Santandrea/LaPresse via AP)
Cagliari's Alessandro Deiola scores a goal but referee Valerio Crezzini cancels the goal, during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Cagliari, in Bologna, north Italy, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)
