The 12-member West African regional bloc ECOWAS has condemned a series of terrorist attacks in several towns across Mali, describing them as a threat to regional peace and stability.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement on Sunday condemning the attacks on Saturday as "heinous acts" that highlight "the barbaric nature of the perpetrators who continue to threaten peace, security, and stability in the West African sub-region as a whole."

Earlier on Saturday, Mali was rocked by a series of coordinated attacks across multiple cities, including the capital Bamako, Kati, Mopti, and Gao.

The situation remained volatile, with heavy gunfire and explosions reported in several areas, with reports indicating that Defence Minister Sadio Camara had been killed in a terrorist attack on Saturday.

ECOWAS urges united response against terrorists

Authorities said at least 16 people had been killed in Saturday's coordinated assault.

ECOWAS called for a unified response, urging “all states, security forces, regional mechanisms and populations of West Africa to unite and mobilise in a coordinated effort to combat this scourge.”

It also offered its "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims" and expressed "full solidarity with the people and authorities of the Republic of Mali."

Mali has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, with attacks by armed groups, including terrorists, affecting multiple regions and raising concerns across West Africa.

Regional organisations, such as ECOWAS, have repeatedly called for strengthened cooperation among West African countries to address security threats and maintain stability in the region.