Unidentified armed men attacked the village of Djiguibombo in central Mali, killing around 40 people, local officials reported on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday in the Mopti region, an area plagued by jihadist activity linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State for over a decade.
Details of the Attack:
Bankass Mayor Moulaye Guindo described the attack as severe, stating, “armed men surrounded the village and shot at people.” While he could not provide an exact death toll, two local officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that around 40 people were killed.
One official further detailed the attack, saying, “It was carnage; they surrounded the village where there was a wedding. There was panic; some people managed to flee, but many were killed, most of them men.”
Perpetrators Unknown:
The attackers have not been identified, and no group has claimed responsibility for the assault. Attempts to contact the army spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.
Background and Regional Impact:
Violence has intensified in West Africa’s central Sahel region since jihadist insurgencies took root in Mali and spread into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions. This instability has also contributed to political upheavals, leading to coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2020.
This latest attack underscores the severe and ongoing security challenges in the region and its devastating impact on local communities.