Mali crisis: minister Ismaël Wagué delivers aid after deadly Bandiagara attack

In Mali’s central region, a high-level government delegation led by Ismaël Wagué, the Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace, and National Cohesion, visited Bandiagara on Monday, May 11, 2026. The trip followed a deadly terrorist assault on Kori-Kori and Gomossogou villages in the Bankass area on May 6.

The delegation formally conveyed the government’s condolences during a ceremony at the regional governor’s office. As part of the relief effort, they distributed 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and a financial aid package totaling 20 million CFA francs to support affected families.

Speaking to the community, Wagué attributed the attack to fighters from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) group. While no official death toll has been released, local Dozos militia leaders reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe property damage. Youssouf Toloba, head of the Dana Ambassagou group, claimed the villages were targeted after refusing to sign peace agreements with armed factions. Meanwhile, Noël Tessougué, deputy chief of the Dozos, warned that the militia would no longer tolerate villages that had struck deals with JNIM fighters.

During his address, Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s resolve to halt violence against civilians across the country. He emphasized the need for national unity, solidarity, and social cohesion to overcome the ongoing security crisis.