Mali announces substantial financial rewards for information on terror group leaders

The Malian government has officially declared its intention to provide significant financial incentives to individuals who can furnish intelligence leading to the apprehension of those suspected of orchestrating assaults against both citizens and vital infrastructure across the nation.

Authorities have specified that a substantial reward, amounting to two billion CFA francs (approximately 3.55 million US dollars), is being offered for any information that facilitates the location of Iyad Ag Gali, identified as the leader of the “Nasra al-Islam wal-Muslimin” group. Furthermore, lesser bounties have been established for several other individuals currently sought by security forces.

Among the prominent figures on this wanted list is El Ghabas Ag Antala, recognized as a key leader within the Tuareg separatist factions active in Mali’s northern regions.

This critical measure comes in the wake of a series of devastating attacks last April, for which groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility. These incidents, according to officials, tragically resulted in the death of the Defense Minister and left several other high-ranking officials injured. The violence triggered extensive clashes across the vast desert territories of northern Mali, intensifying fears that armed groups could make further territorial advances.

The decision was formally enacted in Bamako, bearing the signature of Major General Daoud Ali Mohamedine, who serves as Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection.