A local Quranic teacher in Tonka, Abdoul Salam Maïga, was publicly executed by armed jihadists in the Tombouctou region of Mali. The attack occurred in broad daylight near a local market, where witnesses reported the militants forcibly took him from a traditional discussion group before shooting him at close range.
The jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) is suspected of carrying out the targeted killing. While some community members speculate the murder may have stemmed from religious disputes—possibly due to Maïga’s refusal to cooperate with the militants—most locals believe the attack was retaliation for his alleged ties to Malian security forces. No official statements have been issued by the group or local authorities.
This incident follows a pattern of increasing violence in Tonka and surrounding areas. In November, a young social media influencer, Mariam Cissé, was publicly executed in the same town after openly supporting the Malian military. Earlier this year, Amadou Baby, a youth organization leader in Tonka, was also gunned down in the street under similar circumstances. While authorities have not confirmed why these killings occurred, locals suggest the targeted assassinations are intended to intimidate communities and eliminate perceived threats.
Residents in Tonka, Diré, Goundam, and Tombouctou describe the situation as deeply unsettling. One local resident shared, “People are terrified by these public executions. It’s causing widespread fear throughout the region.” The growing climate of violence has left communities on edge, with many fearing further reprisals.
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing the Tombouctou region, where militant groups continue to operate with impunity despite ongoing military operations. Local leaders are calling for stronger protection measures to prevent further civilian casualties.
