The Malian government announced on Thursday a new initiative to provide financial incentives to individuals who can furnish actionable intelligence leading to the whereabouts of persons suspected by authorities of orchestrating attacks against citizens and national infrastructure.
Officials specified that a substantial reward of two billion CFA francs (approximately 3.55 million US dollars) is being offered for information that facilitates the location of Iyad Ag Gali, the prominent leader of the group “Nasra al-Islam wal-Muslimin.” Lesser financial rewards have been designated for several other individuals currently sought by the state.
Among those on the list of wanted individuals is El Ghabas Ag Antala, identified as a key figure within the Tuareg separatist movements operating in northern Mali.
This strategic move follows a series of attacks claimed by groups with alleged links to Al-Qaeda in April. These incidents, according to official reports, resulted in the tragic death of the Defense Minister and injuries to other high-ranking officials. The situation ignited widespread clashes across vast desert regions of the country’s north, fueling concerns that armed factions could achieve further territorial gains.
The decision was formalized in Bamako, bearing the signature of Major General Daoud Ali Mohamedine, Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection.
