The Malian government has announced a major reward programme offering 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 counterterrorism efforts across the Sahel.
The initiative, approved by the government under the leadership of transitional President Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets senior figures accused of masterminding attacks against civilians, security personnel, and state institutions.
According to information released by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, the leader of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), one of the most active jihadist groups operating in the region. Authorities have also offered 1.5 billion CFA francs for information leading to the arrest of Amadou Koufa, a key militant commander and founder of the Katiba Macina faction.
Several other leaders of armed groups active in Mali and the wider Sahel region have also been listed under the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to their capture.
The government said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible intelligence resulting in the location, arrest, or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by supplying relevant information that could support ongoing security operations.
The announcement comes amid renewed military offensives against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to carry out attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.
Malian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and bringing their leaders and collaborators to justice as part of broader efforts to restore security and stability across the country.
By: Zagazola Makama
