Mali’s local al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has offered millions of euros for information on the whereabouts of the president and top military officials, describing the government as an illegitimate entity.
The insurgents’ statement on Thursday follows a similar offer made by the government for information leading to JNIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly, and other militant figures.
It was shared by the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity and communications worldwide.
Al Qaeda-linked attacks in April that killed Mali’s defence minister set off fighting across the country’s vast desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains by armed groups.
JNIM offered €2 million ($2.3 million) for information leading to Assimi Goita, leader of the government in the capital, Bamako, who took power following coups in 2020 and 2021.
The notice also offered €1 million ($1.157 million)each for information about Colonel Lassina Diallo and General Malik Dicko.
It said the reward would be paid to anyone offering information leading to their locations or anyone taking concrete action to “neutralise” them.
—Reuters—
