In Tonka, a somber incident unfolded as Abdoul Salam Maïga, a revered Quranic teacher from a local madrasa, was engaged in a peaceful “grin” – a traditional discussion circle – near the bustling market. Suddenly, armed Jnim jihadists appeared, forcing him to accompany them. Eyewitness accounts from local community leaders indicate that the militants returned shortly thereafter, with Maïga now blindfolded. He was then subjected to a public execution by gunfire.

While some sources speculate that the assassination might stem from religious disagreements, possibly due to his refusal to cooperate with the group, the prevailing belief among many locals is that his perceived association with the Malian army was the primary catalyst for the Jnim’s deadly act against the respected teacher.

This tragic event in Tonka echoes previous incidents. Last November, the entire nation of Mali mourned the public execution of Mariam Cissé, a young TikToker known for openly expressing her support for the Malian military.

Furthermore, in late March, Amadou Baby, a prominent leader within Tonka’s youth organization, was gunned down in the street. The jihadists suspected his association of providing intelligence to Malian forces, despite the fact that Tonka itself does not host a military camp.

“The residents of Tonka, Diré, Goundam, and Tombouctou are profoundly shocked by this wave of assassinations,” shared a local inhabitant, emphasizing the deep emotional impact these killings have had across the entire region.