Mali: "the situation is under control" asserts the transition president

General Assimi Goïta, the transition president of Mali, reaffirmed that the situation in the country is "under control" during his first public address after several days of silence. Despite recent attacks by jihadists and Tuareg separatists in northern Mali, he described the situation as "extremely grave." His speech came after threats from jihadists to block the capital, Bamako.