Armed Men Abduct Former Malian Minister and Junta Critic in Mali, His Family Says
A former Malian minister and critic of the ruling junta was abducted from his home by armed men in Bamako, as fallout spreads from a wave of armed attacks against the government.
BAMAKO: A former Malian minister and critic of the ruling junta was abducted from his home by armed, hooded men on Saturday night.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight when Mountaga Tall's residence in the capital, Bamako, was stormed by individuals reportedly from the armed forces.
According to a relative, Mahmoud Touré, these men did not identify themselves or provide any reason for their actions and confiscated his phone.
Tall previously served as Mali’s education and science minister from 2016 to 2017 and currently holds the position of president at the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political party opposed to the military government.
In his capacity as a lawyer, he represents individuals who have been arrested for criticizing the junta.
Mali has recently faced significant security challenges following coordinated attacks on its army in Bamako and other cities by jihadist and rebel groups.
These attacks resulted in the seizure of several towns and military bases, leading to the death of numerous individuals, including Defense Minister Sadio Camara.
The Islamic militant group Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist group led by Tuaregs, were jointly responsible for these assaults.
Following these attacks, the military government claimed to possess evidence of collaboration between soldiers and these groups.
In response, it initiated a series of arrests.
Concerning Tall’s abduction, his family has filed a complaint with security forces regarding kidnapping and disappearance.
The government has not issued any public statements on this matter.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight when Mountaga Tall's residence in the capital, Bamako, was stormed by individuals reportedly from the armed forces.
According to a relative, Mahmoud Touré, these men did not identify themselves or provide any reason for their actions and confiscated his phone.
Tall previously served as Mali’s education and science minister from 2016 to 2017 and currently holds the position of president at the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political party opposed to the military government.
In his capacity as a lawyer, he represents individuals who have been arrested for criticizing the junta.
Mali has recently faced significant security challenges following coordinated attacks on its army in Bamako and other cities by jihadist and rebel groups.
These attacks resulted in the seizure of several towns and military bases, leading to the death of numerous individuals, including Defense Minister Sadio Camara.
The Islamic militant group Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist group led by Tuaregs, were jointly responsible for these assaults.
Following these attacks, the military government claimed to possess evidence of collaboration between soldiers and these groups.
In response, it initiated a series of arrests.
Concerning Tall’s abduction, his family has filed a complaint with security forces regarding kidnapping and disappearance.
The government has not issued any public statements on this matter.
