Mali security crisis: minister Ismaël Wagué visits Bandiagara after deadly attack

Mali’s top reconciliation official delivers aid to Bandiagara after jihadist assault

A high-level government delegation, led by General Ismaël Wagué, Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, arrived in Bandiagara on Monday to assess the aftermath of a brutal terror strike that left communities in shock. The visit follows a pre-dawn raid on May 6 against the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass district, where armed groups launched a coordinated assault.

During an official condolence ceremony at the regional governor’s office, the delegation distributed critical relief supplies, including 25 tonnes of millet and 25 tonnes of rice, along with a cash grant of 20 million FCFA to support grieving families and displaced households.

The minister attributed the violence to fighters from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), though authorities have yet to release an official casualty count. Local dozos militia leaders reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe damage to homes and livestock. Youssouf Toloba, head of the Dana Ambassagou militia, claimed the villages were deliberately targeted after rejecting demands to sign controversial “peace agreements” with armed extremists.

Noël Tessougué, deputy commander of the dozos, warned that the militia would no longer tolerate villages entering such arrangements with JNIM operatives, vowing to hold accountable any community perceived as collaborating with jihadist factions.

In his closing remarks, Minister Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s determination to end violence against civilians across Mali. He urged Malians to unite and strengthen social cohesion in the face of escalating security threats, emphasizing that collective resilience is the only path to lasting peace.