Mali security crisis: minister Ismaël Wagué assesses impact after bandiagara attack

In a show of solidarity with victims of recent violence, a high-level Malian government delegation, led by Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion General Ismaël Wagué, traveled to Bandiagara in central Mali on Monday, May 11, 2026. The visit followed a deadly terrorist assault on Kori-Kori and Gomossogou villages in the Bankass district on May 6.

The delegation formally conveyed the government’s condolences during a ceremony at the regional governorate. As part of the visit, relief supplies were distributed, including 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and financial aid totaling 20 million FCFA to support affected families.

The Minister attributed the attack to fighters from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), though authorities have not yet released an official death toll. Meanwhile, local dozos militia leaders reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe property damage. Youssouf Toloba, head of the Dana Ambassagou militia, claimed the villages were targeted after refusing to sign “peace agreements” with armed extremist groups.

Noël Tessougué, deputy chief of the dozos, warned that the militia will no longer tolerate villages that have entered into arrangements with JNIM combatants. During his speech, Minister Wagué reaffirmed the transitional authorities’ commitment to ending civilian-targeted violence across the country. He closed with a call for national unity, solidarity, and cohesion to address the ongoing security crisis.