Mali's junta leader, Assimi Goita, has been appointed to assume the role of defense minister following a decree announced on Monday.

This decision comes after the previous defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed by a car bomb at his residence during large-scale attacks more than a week ago.

The security crisis in Mali has escalated as a result of assaults led by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists against junta strongholds.

These attacks, which occurred over the weekend of April 25-26, resulted in the capture of the key northern town of Kidal.

The fighting led to the death of at least 23 people, with civilians and children among the casualties reported by the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF.

The militants involved were from Al-Qaeda's branch in the Sahel region, known as the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), who joined forces with the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), an ethnic Tuareg separatist movement.

In his new role, Goita will be supported by General Oumar Diarra, who previously served as the military chief of staff and has now been appointed minister delegate to the defense minister.

The attacks have led to a blockade announced by the militants against the capital city, Bamako.

However, this blockade has only had limited success.

Security forces have been engaged in cat-and-mouse tactics with the jihadists, but the population's response has caused concern.

Some transport companies have suspended services due to the ongoing tensions and insecurity.

In light of these events, Goita's appointment as defense minister aims to strengthen the government's response to the escalating security crisis.