The transitional authorities in Mali reported attacks that took place on the night of June 18 to 19 in several villages in the circle of Bankass, in the center of the country, resulting in 132 deaths, mainly civilians.
The government “deeply regrets to inform that the peaceful populations of the villages of Diallassagou, Dianweli, Deguessagou and surroundings in the center of Bankass have been the object of cowardly and barbaric terrorist attacks”, announces the official press release, giving a balance sheet of “132 civilians coldly killed by the Katiba fighters of Macina of Amadou Kouffa”.
The Katiba of Macina is a member of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, itself linked to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqmi).
Bamako says it has “formally identified” elements of this group among the perpetrators of the attacks. The government condemned “with the utmost rigor” these attacks and reassured that “all measures will be taken to find and bring the perpetrators of these criminal acts to justice”.
The authorities took the opportunity to reiterate their “absolute priority” which is “the safety and protection of people and their property”.
“The valiant defense and security forces, on the front line in the fight against terrorism, will continue with determination the search and destruction of terrorist sanctuaries,” the statement continued.
The President of the Transition, Colonel Assimi Goïta, decreed a three-day national mourning from this Tuesday, June 21, in memory of the victims.
On Monday morning, another attack that targeted traditional dozo hunters took place in the Bandiagara region, still in the center of the country. The attack would result in two deaths.
By OMA Newsletter N° 751 of 06/21/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
