Mali’s junta offers rewards for jihadist and rebel leaders after deadly attacks

Mali’s government targets top jihadist and rebel leaders with bounties

Iyad Ag Ghaly, a former Tuareg rebel and Malian diplomat, now leads the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an alliance of Islamist groups established in 2017. His name tops the list of the most-wanted figures in the Sahel region, facing sanctions from the United Nations and appearing on the United States’ terrorist watchlist. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Escalating violence shakes Mali’s stability

The nation is grappling with a severe security crisis after coordinated jihadist attacks on April 25 and 26. These assaults, unprecedented in scale, were carried out by JNIM fighters allied with the predominantly Tuareg Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA). The assaults targeted key positions of Mali’s ruling junta in Bamako and surrounding regions, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara, a central figure in the transitional government.

Rewards offered for critical leaders

In response to the escalating threat, the Malian government announced financial bounties for the capture or elimination of six key figures, including:

• Amadou Kouffa, a senior JNIM commander (€2.2 million reward)
• Alghabass Ag Intalla, a prominent FLA leader
• Bilal Ag Cherif, another FLA commander

A government statement broadcast on national television emphasized the urgency of these measures: «The Ministry of Security and Civil Protection is offering financial rewards to anyone providing reliable, actionable intelligence leading to the arrest or neutralization of these individuals.» It further noted that these figures are sought for their alleged roles in planning and executing terrorist acts that have endangered lives and property across the country.

Years of turmoil fuel ongoing insecurity

Since 2012, Mali has been engulfed in a protracted security crisis, driven by the violent activities of groups like JNIM, the Islamic State (IS), and local criminal gangs. The recent surge in attacks underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Malian authorities in restoring peace and stability.