Mali crisis: government delegation visits Bandiagara after deadly attack

In the heart of central Mali, a high-level government delegation led by the Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, General Ismaël Wagué, arrived in Bandiagara on Monday, May 11, 2026. The visit followed a devastating terrorist assault on the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass district on May 6.

The delegation conveyed the nation’s heartfelt condolences to the affected communities during a formal ceremony at the regional governor’s office. As part of the government’s emergency relief effort, they delivered critical food supplies—25 metric tons of millet and 25 metric tons of rice—along with a financial aid package totaling 20 million FCFA (CFA francs) to support survivors and families of the victims.

The Minister attributed the brutal attack to fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), though authorities have yet to release an official death toll. However, local dozos, members of a traditional hunters’ militia, reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe property damage. They described the villages as deliberate targets after residents refused to enter into so-called “peace agreements” with armed extremist groups.

Youssouf Toloba, leader of the Dana Ambassagou dozos, emphasized that the refusal to collaborate with jihadist factions had exposed these communities to relentless violence. In a separate statement, Noël Tessougué, deputy chief of the dozos, vowed to safeguard villages that resist aligning with JNIM fighters, warning of further reprisals against those that do.

Addressing the gathering, General Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s unwavering commitment to ending violence against civilians across Mali. His closing remarks called for unity, solidarity, and national cohesion to confront the escalating security crisis gripping the country.