Over 110 Civilians Held Hostage by Jihadists in Central Mali

Hostage Situation Unfolds

More than 110 civilians have been held hostage for six days by suspected jihadists in central Mali, as reported by local sources to AFP on Monday. The hostages were taken on April 16 when three buses were intercepted and directed towards a forest between Bandiagara and Bankass. Oumar Ongoïba, a spokesperson for a local group demanding their release, emphasized the urgent need for action.

Local Response and Government Inaction

In response to the kidnapping, local populations have blocked several roads and conducted demonstrations to pressure the government, which they believe has failed to ensure their safety. There is growing frustration over what is seen as the inaction of the armed forces in dealing with the crisis.

Regional Instability and International Shifts

Since 2012, Mali has faced severe security challenges from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as from local self-defense groups and bandits. The ongoing violence has also affected neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to military coups in all three countries. Recently, these nations have distanced themselves from France, seeking closer ties with Russia and forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Delayed Elections Amidst Unrest

The military government in Mali, in power since 2020, had promised to hold a presidential election in February to transition to civilian rule. However, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga stated in April that elections would only occur once the country achieves stability, delaying the return to civilian governance.