Mali Places 3.5 Billion CFA Francs Bounties on Country’s Most Wanted Terrorist Leaders

By Paul Joseph

The government of Mali has placed a combined 3.5 billion CFA francs bounty on two of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, offering 2 billion CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of Iyad Ag Ghali and 1.5 billion CFA francs for Amadou Koufa as authorities intensify military operations against jihadist groups across the country.

According to an official statement, the 2 billion CFA franc reward targets Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), while the 1.5 billion CFA franc bounty has been announced for credible intelligence leading to the arrest or neutralisation of Amadou Koufa, the influential leader of Katiba Macina.

The move comes amid an escalation of military operations targeting extremist networks in northern and central Mali, regions that have experienced years of insecurity linked to jihadist violence, armed insurgency and communal conflicts.

Government officials urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing reliable information that could assist in locating the wanted leaders and dismantling their support networks. Authorities assured potential informants that all intelligence would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The Malian government said the rewards underscore its determination to weaken terrorist organisations responsible for attacks on civilians, security personnel and public infrastructure. Officials also reaffirmed their commitment to restoring stability and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism are brought to justice.

Security analysts believe the unprecedented bounty announcement reflects growing pressure on militant groups as the country’s armed forces continue operations aimed at reclaiming territories and disrupting insurgent activities across conflict-affected regions.

The government maintained that defeating terrorism remains a national priority and called on citizens to support ongoing efforts to improve security and peace throughout the country.