At least 21 civilians die in suspected jihadist attack in Mali

An attack in central Mali blamed on jihadists killed more than 20 civilians on Monday, two local officials said, the latest massacres in the troubled Sahel region.

“At least 21 civilians were killed” in the village of Djiguibombo, several dozen kilometers from the city of Bandiagara, a provincial authority official said on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He attributed the attack to jihadists.

Sources contacted by RFI attribute this attack to jihadists from Katiba Macina of Jnim.

Another provincial official who spoke overnight said about 20 people had been killed and the security situation had prevented authorities from going to the scene.

However, a local youth representative said the army arrived later.

Both local government sources asked to remain anonymous given their positions. Since the junta came to power in 2020, information about such incidents has generally not been made public.

The attack began before nightfall and “lasted about three hours,” said the youth representative, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons.

“More than half are young people. Some of the victims had their throats slit,” the source said.

“Many residents fled to Bandiagara. Those who remained were not even able to bury the dead properly,” he said.

Spiral of violence

Human rights groups regularly denounce the widespread impunity for attacks on civilians.