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Le Quotidien
02-07-2025
- Le Quotidien
Terrorist attack in Diboli, Mali: Shots 2 km away from Senegal
Located less than two kilometres from Kidira, on the border between Senegal and Mali, Diboli, a Malian village, was attacked at dawn on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in a coordinated offensive led by suspected jihadists. During the attack, vehicles, motorcycles, and other objects were set ablaze. The gunfire came from both far away and so close. Only 2 km from Kidira. This Tuesday will not soon be forgotten by the populations living along the Senegalese-Malian border. They saw their usual calm disrupted. In a statement released yesterday, the Malian General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGA) announced that the positions of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) in Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Nioro du Sahel, Gogui, Kayes, and Diboli were simultaneously attacked by armed gangs. In Diboli, some 2 km from Senegal, they targeted security force installations: police stations, customs posts, and set fire to vehicles and motorcycles. This is so frightening, because the threat remains both so distant and so close. Especially since this is the first time that a border post so close to Senegal has been the direct target of such a coordinated and spectacular assault, demonstrating the jihadists' ability to move within Malian territory, which has been torn apart by armed gangs for over a decade. This Tuesday, the jihadists interrupted their morning sleep in large numbers on motorcycles, a source reported. It was 6 a.m. when they burst into the village. « Heavy gunfire was heard, » our source added. While no claim of responsibility has been made and no official death toll has been reported, it has been learned that one person was shot dead. « The individual was returning from morning prayers, » the source explained. Regardless, the population is gripped by fear. On the Senegalese side, the rapid and prompt deployment of the Defense Forces has helped strengthen the security barrier in recent years through the construction of the Goudiry camp, inaugurated in December 2022, Military Zone No. 4, and the Rapid Action Surveillance and Intervention Group (GARSI). The Defense and Security Forces (FDS) quickly invaded the area to contain any attacks. Traffic was even blocked for several hours on this strategic route. It wasn't until around 11 a.m. that the measure was lifted, allowing traffic to resume. It's important to note that on both sides there is a village called Diboli, whose populations share everything, demonstrating that the border is simply a geographical boundary. So, if one coughs, the other sneezes. Now, with this attack, the time has come to better secure the borders to prevent any jihadist attacks. By Abdoulaye FALL / afall@ Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH
The South African
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Mali kills 80 militants after al-Qaeda-linked raids escalate
The Malian Armed Forces (FA Ma) responded to coordinated attacks on military targets in seven cities on 1 July 2025. The targeted areas were Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, Kayes, Sandere, Gogoui, Molodo, and Niono. As a result, the attack affected Nioro, Kayes, Sandere and Gogui, deeply alarming residents and local officials. Near the governor's residence, Kayes residents reported heavy gunfire and smoke. The attacks occurred near the borders with Mauritania and Senegal, raising concerns about regional security. The al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attacks. Moreover, JNIM declared that it had acquired numerous army installations, including three barracks. According to reports from Al Jazeera, quoting JNIM statements, the group described the operation as 'coordinated and high-quality.' The assault marks the third major JNIM attack in the past month. In addition, the militants had earlier killed 30 troops in central Mali and attacked the airport in Timbuktu. Mali's army declared the death of 80 rebels during counteroffensive operations. Insurgents suffered casualties in every combat zone, according to Army spokeswoman Souleymane Dembele. Weapons, motorcycles, and vehicles used in the attacks were among the confiscated items. Images of dead insurgents were broadcast on national television by the military. Official figures for the number of Malian soldiers' fatalities remained unreleased as of 2 July. For over ten years, Mali has struggled with Islamist insurgencies, including branches of ISIL and al-Qaeda. The country's continued military rule following the 2020 coup hinders international cooperation. In May 2025, the US Africa Command issued a warning about the growth of militants along West Africa's coastline. Furthermore, General Michael Langley emphasised the increasing risks of weapon trafficking and smuggling in the Sahel region. As a result, the attacks highlight growing insecurity in Mali and its neighbouring countries. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Arab Times
30-06-2025
- Arab Times
11 terrorists surrender to Malian army
BAMAKO, June 30, (Xinhua): Eleven terrorists from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, including a senior commander, surrendered to the Malian Armed Forces in the town of Ansongo in northern Mali on Saturday, Malian television ORTM reported on Sunday. Ibrahim Boubacar, also known as Oubel, is the leader of terrorist groups operating in the Tessit area of northern Mali, the report said. In a separate operation on Saturday, the Malian army, in collaboration with the Africa Corps and the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad, killed several terrorists, including Abou Dahdah, another terrorist leader and explosives expert.
United News of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
14 terrorists killed in northern Mali following failed infiltration attempt
Bamako, June 3 (UNI) Fourteen terrorists were killed in the northern Malian city of Timbuktu on Monday after a failed attempt by terrorist fighters to infiltrate a military camp, according to a statement issued by the Malian Armed Forces. The statement said the infiltration attempt occurred around 10 a.m. local time (GMT+0), and that "the terrorists were swiftly repelled by the prompt response of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa)." "A provisional toll shows 14 terrorists killed, 31 suspected terrorists arrested, and weapons, vehicles, and various materials recovered," the statement added. The attempted infiltration came a day after a deadly attack on a military base in Boulkessi, located in the central region of Douentza. Local witnesses described it as "a true carnage," with at least 30 Malian soldiers reportedly killed. The attack was claimed on social media by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM/JNIM). In a separate statement on Sunday, FAMa confirmed the assault on the Boulkessi camp, stating only that it "responded vigorously before withdrawing," without providing further details or casualties. Over the past week, several military camps across central and northern Mali have come under attack, with GSIM/JNIM claiming responsibility. The assaults have resulted in heavy casualties and significant loss of military equipment. In many cases, the targeted camps were completely burned and numerous soldiers killed. Since 2012, Mali has been grappling with a deep and multifaceted crisis caused by separatist insurgencies, jihadist incursions and intercommunal violence, which have killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others. UNI XINHUA GNK
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Mali: United Nations (UN) experts outraged by reports of summary executions and enforced disappearances
UN experts today expressed outrage at the alleged summary execution of several dozen people in Mali, as well as the enforced disappearance of others. They warned that these unlawful killings may amount to war crimes, and that the enforced disappearances may constitute crimes against humanity if they are part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians. 'We urge Malian authorities to conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these killings and enforced disappearances, in accordance with international law,' the experts said. State failure to investigate constitutes in itself a violation of the right to life. 'Those responsible for unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, whether by direct involvement or complicity, must be prosecuted, and measures must be taken to prevent their recurrence and provide reparation to the victims.' On 12 April 2025, around 100 men, most of whom were from the Peul community, were arrested by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). They were accompanied by military and security personnel recruited by the Russia-based Wagner Group. The arrests took place at a market in Sebabougou, in the Diéma cercle of the Kayes region. While some of those arrested were released immediately, approximately 60 others were reportedly taken to the Kwala military camp in the Koulikoro region. According to unconfirmed reports, those arrested were tortured and interrogated about alleged links with 'terrorists' at the Kwala military camp. The victims were reportedly whipped during interrogation. Afterwards, military and security personnel recruited by the Wagner Group reportedly took the victims out of the camp and executed them by opening fire. Between 21 and 22 April 2025, several dozen decomposing bodies, suspected to be those arrested in Sebabougou on 12 April 2025, were found scattered on the outskirts of the Kwala military camp by people searching for their relatives. While the exact death toll is unclear, it is reportedly believed that at least 65 people disappeared or went missing after being arrested in Sebabougou. The experts received a list from credible sources purporting to show the names of 54 alleged male victims. The fate and whereabouts of the victims remain unknown. In a statement dated 28 April 2025, the Malian Armed Forces confirmed that they had conducted military operations between 11 and 15 April 2025 in several areas, including Sebabougou and Kwala. They added that they had 'neutralised' several combatants from 'terrorist armed groups'. The experts expressed their solidarity with the families affected by the killings and enforced disappearances. 'Malian authorities must ensure that the bodies of the deceased are properly recovered, documented and protected to facilitate reliable identification, and prevent the victims from being classified as missing persons. The bodies must then be handed over respectfully to their families for mourning and final disposal,' they said. They stressed that this process forms an integral part of the international legal obligation to conduct effective investigations and ensure accountability and effective remedies for human rights violations. 'We are deeply troubled by the apparent total impunity and lack of prosecution or prevention of these violations attributed to both Malian defence and security forces, and foreign military and security personnel from the 'Wagner' Group and/or 'Africa Corps',' the experts said. 'Failure to bring alleged perpetrators of human rights violations to justice could undermine public confidence in the armed forces and be exploited by violent extremist groups,' they said. 'Under the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Governments must address the root causes of violence to effectively combat terrorism, such as impunity, prolonged unresolved conflicts, weak rule of law, human rights violations, discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalisation, and poor governance.' The experts recalled the statement by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on 23 March 2019. In this statement, the Prosecutor noted that the situation in Mali had been referred to her Office by Malian authorities in 2012, a formal investigation had been opened in 2013, and her Office would continue to closely monitor events in central Mali and other parts of the country. The experts stressed that the ICC could determine whether the Malian State lacks the capacity or will to conduct effective investigations and could expand its current investigation beyond crimes committed in northern Mali in 2012 and 2013, or open a new investigation into crimes under international law committed elsewhere in Mali. 'Under international law, military commanders and other superiors, including Government officials, can be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by armed forces under their effective command and control,' they said. The experts also recalled recommendations concerning counter-terrorism measures in Mali, including calls on the Government to ensure that military operations are proportionate and non-discriminatory, and comply with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The experts are in contact with the Government of Mali, and have reiterated their offer to provide technical assistance on forensic matters. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
