Malian TikToker Killed by Suspected Jihadists After Pro-Army Posts

A popular Malian TikToker, Mariam Cissé, has been killed execution-style by suspected jihadists in the Timbuktu region of northern Mali. The killing has sent shockwaves through the country, already reeling from a worsening security situation and a jihadist-imposed fuel blockade. Ms. Cissé, who had over 100,000 followers, was known for posting videos about life in her hometown of Tonka and expressing support for the Malian army.

Accusations of Informing the Army

According to reports, Ms. Cissé was seized by the suspected jihadists while live-streaming from a market in a neighbouring town. Her brother told AFP that she was accused of "informing the Malian army of their movements." A security source confirmed to AFP that she was assassinated for allegedly filming jihadists "for the Malian army."

In some of her TikTok videos, Ms. Cissé is seen wearing military uniform, with one post captioned "Vive Mali" (Long Live Mali). This open support for the Malian army appears to have made her a target in a region where jihadist groups exert significant control.

A Nation in Crisis

Ms. Cissé's death comes amid a severe crisis in Mali, exacerbated by a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups. The blockade has led to fuel shortages, particularly in the capital Bamako, and has forced the closure of schools and universities for weeks. The African Union (AU) has expressed "deep concern" about the "rapid deterioration of the security situation" and the "deliberate attacks against innocent civilians."

The French foreign ministry has even advised its citizens to urgently leave Mali while commercial flights are still available, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Historical Context: A Decade of Insurgency

Mali has been battling a jihadist insurgency since 2012, when Islamist groups seized control of the northern part of the country. A French-led military intervention in 2013 drove the jihadists out of major cities, but they have since regrouped and expanded their operations, launching attacks across the Sahel region. The insurgency has been fueled by a complex mix of factors, including poverty, ethnic tensions, and weak governance.

Dr. Bakary Sambe, Regional Director of the Timbuktu Institute, a Dakar-based think tank specializing in security issues in the Sahel, notes that "The killing of Mariam Cissé is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones, particularly those who express support for the state. It also highlights the increasing sophistication of jihadist groups in using social media to monitor and target individuals."

The 2021 Coup and its Aftermath

The military seized power in Mali in 2021, promising to improve security. However, the jihadist insurgency has continued, and large parts of the north and east of the country remain outside government control. The military government's decision to distance itself from France and embrace Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group has further complicated the security landscape.

According to a report by the International Crisis Group, "The presence of Wagner mercenaries in Mali has been accompanied by increased reports of human rights abuses and a deterioration in relations with neighboring countries."

The Fuel Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis

Mali is a landlocked country, and all its fuel supplies are brought in by road from neighboring states such as Senegal and Ivory Coast. The jihadist blockade, which involves attacking fuel tankers on major highways, has had a devastating impact on the country's economy and humanitarian situation.

The AU Commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned the blockade and called for international support for Mali and other Sahel countries. He stated that the AU is ready "to support Mali, as well as all Sahel countries, during this particularly challenging period."

Implications and Future Outlook

The killing of Mariam Cissé underscores the growing threat posed by jihadist groups in Mali and the vulnerability of civilians who are perceived to be supporting the government. The ongoing fuel blockade and the deteriorating security situation are raising concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis. The Malian government faces a daunting challenge in restoring security and stability to the country and addressing the root causes of the insurgency.

The killing highlights the dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones. The fuel blockade is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The presence of Wagner mercenaries is further complicating the security landscape. The Malian government needs to address the root causes of the insurgency.