Central Mali continues to be the scene of terrorist attacks perpetrated by extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda. The latest concerns the kidnapping of passengers from three buses by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM). While some have been released, negotiations are underway to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
According to testimonies from elected officials and local notables, the jihadists stopped the three buses on the RN15 national road, between Parou and Songobia. The women and children were released immediately, while the men on one of the buses were released later, coming from a village that had an agreement with JNIM. However, the passengers of the other two buses are still being held hostage and their vehicles have been set on fire.
It is difficult to precisely establish the number of hostages, but it is estimated that there are at least twenty, if not several dozen. The jihadists appear to particularly target residents of villages that have not reached an agreement with them, and traditional Dozo hunters, who are often in collaboration with the Malian army and oppose the JNIM.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of areas beyond the control of the Malian state, where many villages are forced to submit to the rules of the jihadists to ensure their security. Local community representatives are currently being mobilized to try to free the hostages and other civilians previously kidnapped in the same region.
These recurring attacks in central Mali underline the need for the government to strengthen security in the region and fight against the presence of terrorist groups. It is essential to put in place measures to protect civilians and restore the trust of local populations in the authorities.
This tragic event also recalls the importance of regional and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. Concerted and coordinated action is needed to end the insecurity plaguing the region and guarantee peace and stability for all people in Mali.