Iyad Ag Ghaly, a former Tuareg rebel turned Malian diplomat, now leads the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), established in 2017. He stands as the most wanted figure across the Sahel, facing United Nations sanctions and appearing on US terrorism lists. Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for him, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Malian government is grappling with an escalating security crisis after coordinated jihadist assaults on April 25 and 26, carried out by JNIM factions in alliance with the predominantly Tuareg Azauad Liberation Front (FLA). These unprecedented attacks struck strategic positions held by the Bamako-based junta in multiple regions, resulting in significant casualties—including the loss of Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a 47-year-old key figure in the transitional government, who died in a suicide bombing.
In response, authorities announced financial rewards for information leading to the capture or elimination of six high-profile militants. Among those targeted is Amadou Kouffa, a senior JNIM leader valued at €2.2 million, along with two FLA commanders: Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif. The announcement, broadcast on national television, underscored the government’s determination to dismantle these networks.
«The Ministry of Security and Civil Protection is offering monetary incentives for credible, actionable intelligence that aids in the arrest or neutralization of individuals directly linked to terrorism,» the official statement declared. It emphasized that these suspects were being hunted for their alleged roles in orchestrating attacks that have endangered lives and property nationwide.
Since 2012, Mali has endured a persistent security breakdown, fueled by the violent campaigns of JNIM, the Islamic State group, and local criminal factions.