Mali’s al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), has announced rewards worth millions of euros for information on the whereabouts of the country’s president and senior military officials, describing the government as illegitimate.
The statement, issued by the insurgent group on Thursday, comes shortly after Malian authorities offered rewards for information leading to the capture of JNIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly and other prominent militant figures.
The exchange of bounty offers underscores escalating tensions between the government and the armed group, which has been involved in a long-running insurgency across Mali and parts of the wider Sahel region.
It was shared by the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity and communications worldwide.
READ ALSO: Somali Referee Artan Views US Denial As Fate
Al Qaeda-linked attacks in April that killed Mali’s defence minister set off fighting across the country’s vast desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains by armed groups.
JNIM offered €2 million for information leading to Assimi Goita, leader of the government in the capital, Bamako, who took power following coups in 2020 and 2021.
The notice also offered €1 million each for information about Colonel Lassina Diallo and General Malik Dicko.
It said the reward would be paid to anyone offering information leading to their locations or anyone taking concrete action to “neutralise” them.
Reuters.
