Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders
By: Zagazola Makama
The Malian government has announced financial rewards running into billions of CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, as authorities intensify efforts to combat insurgency across the Sahel.
The move, approved under the leadership of military ruler Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets key figures accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians, security forces and state institutions.
According to official information reported by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), while a reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the capture of Amadou Koufa, a prominent militant commander associated with Katiba Macina.
Several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel region are also covered by the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to them.
The Malian authorities said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible information leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant intelligence.
The announcement comes amid renewed military operations against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to launch attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.
Malian authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the leaders and support networks of armed groups until they are brought to justice.
