In a harrowing incident, suspected jihadists in central Mali have detained more than 110 civilians abducted six days ago, according to reports from local sources obtained by AFP on Monday. On April 16, three buses carrying civilians were intercepted by alleged jihadists, who directed both the vehicles and passengers towards a forest area between Bandiagara and Bankass. A local group of associations and an elected official disclosed this information. Media coverage was also banned in the West African nation. Calls for releaseOumar Ongoiba, a member of the local association, demanded the immediate release of the abducted passengers. An anonymous elected official from Bandiagara confirmed that the buses, along with over 120 passengers, were still held captive by the jihadists.🇲🇱 Mali 🇲🇱On April 16th, 110 people were kidnapped by terrorists between Bankass and Bandiagara in the centre of #Mali. This is an area where #JNIM operates. Since the population blockades roads the area to force #FAMas to intervene and find the abducted people. #Sahel #AES pic.twitter.com/pExdrLCg6B— Eugene Djoko (@EugeneDjoko) April 22, 2024Growing concernsExpressions of concern have been mounting in Bandiagara, with associations issuing a statement condemning the persistence of terrorist attacks and the escalating numbers of displaced individuals in towns, coupled with a perceived lack of action by the armed forces.Mali, plagued by various factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group since 2012, has seen spillover violence affecting Burkina Faso and Niger. All three nations have witnessed military coups in recent times.Political dynamicsSince the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020, Malis junta has shifted its international alliances, leaning towards closer ties with Russia and breaking its longstanding partnership with France. However, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed their own Sahel alliance in November, vowing to depart from the regional bloc ECOWAS.Escalating crisisThe deteriorating security situation in Mali, exacerbated by humanitarian and political crises, has prompted the junta to delay scheduled presidential elections. Opposition voices and media coverage have been suppressed, with the regime facing domestic and international censure for failing to uphold democratic norms and restore stability.Ongoing violenceDespite military operations targeting armed groups, violence has persisted in central and southern Mali. Recent incidents near the capital Bamako underscore the enduring threat posed by militant groups. Claims from both the Malian army and armed groups remain difficult to verify independently due to limited access to remote areas.As Mali grapples with multifaceted challenges, including insecurity, political instability, and human rights concerns, the need for concerted efforts to address these issues and restore peace remains paramount.
