In a swift response to a recent wave of violence, a high-level Malian government delegation, led by the Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, General Ismaël Wagué, arrived in Bandiagara on Monday, May 11, 2026. The visit follows a deadly terrorist assault on the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass area on May 6, which left communities devastated.
During a formal ceremony at the regional governorate, the delegation conveyed the government’s heartfelt condolences to the affected families. In a show of solidarity, authorities distributed essential relief supplies, including 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and a financial aid package totaling 20 million CFA francs to support recovery efforts.
The Malian Armed Forces have attributed the attack to fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), though no official death toll has been released yet. Meanwhile, local sources, including the Dana Ambassagou hunters’ militia, report over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe material damage. Youssouf Toloba, leader of the militia, claimed the villages were deliberately targeted after residents refused to sign so-called “peace agreements” with armed extremist groups. Noël Tessougué, a deputy chief of the dozos, warned that the militia would no longer tolerate villages that collaborate with JNIM fighters.
Addressing the crowd, Minister Ismaël Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians across the country. He emphasized the urgent need for national unity, solidarity, and cohesion to tackle the escalating security crisis gripping Mali.
