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Central Mali has been plagued by violence and insecurity caused by numerous armed groups that operate in the region. In the past week, the situation has escalated as around a hundred civilians traveling in at least three buses were taken hostage by armed men. The hostages were taken into a forest located between Bandiagara and Bankass, which is a central region of the country.
Suspected jihadists in central Mali are holding more than 110 civilians they abducted six days ago, local sources told AFP on Monday.Three buses carrying the civilians were stopped on April 16 by "jihadists", who forced the vehicles and the passengers to head towards a forest between Bandiagara and Bankass, a local group of associations and an elected official said.
The hostage-taking has caused significant tension among the local population in the Bandiagara region. Some residents have claimed to be members of the “active forces” and have blocked several roads to protest against the growing insecurity. They have put pressure on the authorities, whom they accuse of neglecting their security. Demonstrations have broken out not only in Bandiagara but also in other towns in the region. Some groups have even threatened to intensify their actions unless concrete measures are taken to release the hostages and restore security.
Despite recent rumors of a release by the Malian army, the situation remains grave, with continued militant attacks, a growing number of displaced people, and harsh criticism of the army's inaction in the region. The Bandiagara forces temporarily lifted the roadblocks on April 19th, but they remain determined to reinstate them unless concrete measures are taken by April 24th to guarantee the safety of the civilian population.
The kidnappings are suspected to be the work of insurgent groups, particularly the Katiba Macina. However, the phenomenon has become a lucrative business for other groups who demand ransoms in exchange for hostages. These groups often seek revenge for military operations or to impose their will on the hostages' home communities.
Central Mali is home to a large number of armed groups that operate in their own interests. The Bandiagara region has become the new epicenter of insecurity in central Mali, with an upsurge in armed violence that is difficult to contain. The situation is a matter of concern for the local population, and they are looking to the authorities to take concrete steps to restore security and ensure their safety.
