Mali government offers rewards for key jihadist and rebel leaders

Once a Tuareg rebel and later a Malian diplomat, Iyad Ag Ghaly now leads the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an alliance formed in 2017. His name tops the list of the most-wanted figures across the Sahel region.

Currently, he faces sanctions from the United Nations, is blacklisted as a terrorist by the United States, and holds an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Malian government is grappling with an alarming security crisis, exacerbated by coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26. These assaults, carried out by JNIM militants in collaboration with the predominantly Tuareg Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA), targeted critical positions held by the ruling junta in Bamako.

The assaults marked a significant escalation, resulting in the death of Mali’s Defense Minister, Sadio Camara, who was 47 years old and a central figure in the transitional government.

In response, the government announced a financial reward for information leading to the capture or elimination of six high-profile figures. Among them are Iyad Ag Ghaly, Amadou Kouffa—another JNIM leader valued at 2.2 million euros—and two FLA commanders, Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif.

A government statement broadcast on national television clarified the purpose of the initiative: “The Ministry of Security and Civil Protection is committed to combating terrorism and safeguarding national security. Financial incentives will be granted to individuals providing credible and actionable intelligence that leads to the arrest or neutralization of the listed individuals.”

The announcement emphasized that these individuals are sought for their alleged roles in orchestrating and executing terror attacks that have endangered lives and property across Mali.

Since 2012, Mali has been trapped in a severe security vacuum, fueled by the violent campaigns of groups like JNIM, the Islamic State, and local criminal factions.