In a show of solidarity, a high-level Mali government delegation, led by the Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, General Ismaël Wagué, arrived in Bandiagara on Monday, May 11, 2026. The visit followed a deadly terrorist assault on the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass district, which occurred just five days prior, on May 6.
The delegation conveyed the nation’s heartfelt condolences to affected communities during an official ceremony at the regional governor’s office. In a gesture of immediate support, the government delivered critical aid, including 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and a financial contribution of 20 million FCFA to assist families in their recovery.
The attack has been attributed to fighters from the JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin) by the Minister. While authorities have yet to release an official death toll, local defense militias known as dozos from Dana Ambassagou reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe material destruction. According to their statements, the villages were deliberately targeted after residents declined to enter into peace agreements with armed terrorist factions.
Noël Tessougué, deputy leader of the dozos, declared that the militia would no longer tolerate villages that had entered such agreements with JNIM combatants. Meanwhile, Youssouf Toloba, head of Dana Ambassagou, emphasized that the refusal to comply with demands from armed groups had left these communities vulnerable to violence.
During his address, Minister Ismaël Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s unwavering commitment to halting violence against civilians across the country. He concluded his remarks with a powerful appeal for unity, solidarity, and national cohesion as Mali faces its ongoing security challenges.
