Local sources in central Mali reported to Agence France-Presse (AFP) that over 110 civilians kidnapped six days earlier are still being held by suspected jihadists.
On April 16, three buses filled with civilians were intercepted and redirected by jihadists to a forest area between Bandiagara and Bankass, according to a local association group and an elected official.
Oumar Ongoiba, a representative of the group, called for the release of the abducted bus passengers.
An anonymous elected official from Bandiagara confirmed that the captives, numbering over 120, remain under jihadist control.
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by violent conflict involving factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as local militias and criminal bands.
This ongoing violence has escalated into a severe humanitarian and political crisis, affecting not only Mali but also neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, where military coups have also occurred.
Last March, Mali’s ruling military junta levelled accusations against neighbouring Algeria, asserting that the latter has engaged in hostile actions and interfered with Mali’s internal affairs.
Reports from Reuters indicate that the military junta has promptly terminated the 2015 peace agreement with separatist groups in Algeria.
This decision followed concerns raised by sources close to the Algerian government over Colonel Assimi Goita, the military governor in Bamako, allying with the “Wagner” militia, known to have affiliations with Russia.
Goeta’s remarks regarding the internal settlement process suggest a disregard for the peace agreement and international mediation efforts, further exacerbating tensions between Mali and Algeria. These developments raise concerns about regional stability.
