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

Iyad Ag Ghaly, a former Tuareg rebel and Malian diplomat, now leads the JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin), an alliance formed in 2017 that has become the most formidable jihadist force in the Sahel.

a wanted man with a global shadow

Once a prominent figure in Mali’s political landscape, Ag Ghaly has since been designated a terrorist by the United Nations and the United States. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued a warrant for his arrest, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

escalating violence shakes Mali’s stability

On April 25 and 26, coordinated attacks by JNIM fighters—allied with the predominantly Tuareg Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA)—unleashed unprecedented violence across several Malian regions. Strategic positions held by the current junta in Bamako came under heavy assault, including the tragic loss of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a key architect of the military government, who was killed in a suicide bombing.

government responds with financial incentives

In a televised announcement on national media, the Malian government unveiled a bounty program targeting seven high-profile militants. Among them, Amadou Kouffa, another JNIM commander, offers a reward of 2.2 million euros. Additionally, the FLA leaders Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif are also sought, with substantial bounties attached.

The statement from the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection emphasized, “A financial reward will be granted to anyone providing credible, actionable intelligence leading to the capture or neutralization of these individuals.” The ministry stressed their involvement in orchestrating terrorism that has destabilized the nation, threatening both lives and property.

decade-long turmoil fuels ongoing crisis

Since 2012, Mali has grappled with a severe security crisis, exacerbated by the rise of groups like JNIM, the Islamic State, and local criminal factions. The latest offensive underscores the persistent challenges facing the country as it battles to restore order and protect its citizens.