In the heart of central Mali, a high-level government delegation led by Ismaël Wagué, Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace, and National Cohesion, arrived in Bandiagara on Monday, May 11, 2026. The visit followed a devastating terrorist attack on the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass district on May 6, which left communities reeling from loss and destruction.
The delegation paid official condolences to affected families during a ceremony at the regional governor’s office. As part of the state’s support, they distributed 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and a financial aid package of 20 million FCFA to assist survivors in their recovery.
Speaking to local leaders and residents, Ismaël Wagué attributed the attack to fighters from the JNIM group. While no official casualty figures have been released by authorities, local Dozos militia leaders reported over 60 deaths, multiple injuries, and severe property damage.
Youssouf Toloba, head of the Dana Ambassagou Dozos, claimed the villages were targeted after refusing to sign “peace agreements” with armed terrorist factions. Meanwhile, Noël Tessougué, deputy chief of the Dozos, warned that no village collaborating with JNIM would be spared from further attacks.
During his address, Ismaël Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s commitment to ending violence against civilians across Mali. He urged Malians to unite, support one another, and strengthen national cohesion to overcome the ongoing security challenges gripping the country.
