Assimi Goïta was a complete stranger when he took over the Mali  transition in August 2020. Secret and discreet, the former commander of  the Special Forces has engaged in an unprecedented showdown with ECOWAS  and France. Is he ready to do anything to stay in power?

It is the day of the Sacrifice. On this Eid-el-Kebir, the crowd is  crowding the great mosque of Bamako. Everywhere in the city, the mood is  festive, and the men who have come to worship are in a playful mood  despite the deployment of security forces: the highest authorities are  praying. Suddenly, a man appears behind Assimi Goïta’s back. He  brandishes a knife and tries to reach his throat.