In the heart of Tonka, a quiet teacher of the Quran was enjoying a discussion with friends in a local gathering spot when armed jihadists from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) interrupted the scene. They forcibly took Abdoul Salam Maïga, blindfolded him, and publicly executed him by firing squad near the market square.

Residents speculate that his killing may stem from his refusal to collaborate with the armed group. One local source suggested, “Perhaps he declined to work for them.” However, the prevailing belief among villagers points to his alleged ties with Malian security forces as the primary motive behind this brutal act.

This incident is not an isolated one in the region. In November of the previous year, Tonka was shaken by the public execution of Mariam Cissé, a social media influencer known for her vocal support of the Malian military. Earlier, in late March, Amadou Baby, a youth leader in Tonka, was gunned down in broad daylight. JNIM accused his association of providing intelligence to Malian troops, though some locals argue that Tonka lacks any military presence.

A resident from the area shared, “In Tonka, Diré, Goundam, or Tombouctou, people are deeply disturbed by these killings. It has sent shockwaves across the entire region.”