Mali offers €3 million bounty on JNIM leader amid rising jihadist threats

The Malian government has unveiled a historic cash reward—two billion West African CFA francs, equivalent to three million euros—for credible intelligence that leads to the capture or elimination of Iyad Ag Ghaly, the elusive leader of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent faction.

Who is Iyad Ag Ghaly?

Once a prominent Tuareg rebel commander, Iyad Ag Ghaly has evolved into one of the Sahel’s most wanted figures. The JNIM, under his leadership, has emerged as a dominant force in the region’s jihadist insurgency, which has raged for over a decade. His name is listed under United Nations sanctions, and he faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Expanded manhunt targets key jihadist figures

In addition to Ag Ghaly, the Malian authorities have placed bounties on six other armed group leaders. Among them are Amadou Kouffa, a senior JNIM strategist, and Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif, heads of the Azauad Liberation Front (FLA). According to official statements, these individuals are accused of orchestrating major terrorist attacks against state forces.

Motivation: a response to escalating violence

The announcement follows a series of coordinated assaults in late April, in which JNIM militants and their FLA allies targeted key military positions across Mali. These coordinated attacks marked a significant escalation in the conflict and resulted in the tragic death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a central figure in the transitional military regime.