A high-level government delegation, led by Mali’s 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 on May 6, which left dozens of civilians dead and widespread destruction in its wake.
The delegation formally conveyed the government’s condolences to affected communities during a ceremony at the regional governorate office. In a gesture of solidarity, officials distributed vital aid, including 25 tons of millet, 25 tons of rice, and a financial assistance package of 20 million West African CFA francs to support survivors and displaced families.
Speaking to local leaders, General Wagué attributed the attack to operatives of the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), though no official death toll has been released by state authorities. Meanwhile, representatives of the Dana Ambassagou dozos militia reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe material damage. The group’s leader, Youssouf Toloba, alleged that the villages were targeted after refusing to sign peace agreements with armed terrorist factions. Dozos spokesperson Noël Tessougué warned that his militia would no longer tolerate communities that negotiate with JNIM fighters.
In his address to the gathering, General Wagué reaffirmed the transitional government’s commitment to ending violence against civilians across the country. He urged Malians to unite, strengthen solidarity, and foster national cohesion as they confront the ongoing security crisis.
