A local religious teacher in Tonka, Abdoul Salam Maïga, was discussing peacefully with friends in a traditional gathering spot near the market when armed jihadists from the Jnim group approached him under the pretense of a conversation. Witnesses later reported that the militants returned minutes later, blindfolded the teacher, and executed him in a public display of violence.

While some speculate the killing may stem from religious disputes—‘he may have refused to comply with their demands,’ suggested a local—most residents believe his alleged ties to Mali’s military forces were the true motive behind this brutal act.

This isn’t the first time Tonka has been struck by such violence. Last November, the region was shaken by the public execution of Mariam Cissé, a social media influencer known for her vocal support of the Malian army. Earlier, in late March, Amadou Baby, a youth leader in Tonka, was gunned down in broad daylight, accused by the same jihadist group of collaborating with security forces—despite the absence of any military presence in the area.

‘The people of Tonka, Diré, Goundam, and Tombouctou are living in fear,’ shared a resident from the region. ‘Every new killing spreads panic through the community, leaving everyone on edge.’