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18 Jul 2021 | 11:16 AM UTC

Mali: Assailants kidnap five foreign nationals in Koulikoro Region July 17

Local officials announce kidnapping of five foreign nationals from a construction site near Kwala, Koulikoro Region, Mali, July 17.

Warning

Event

Local officials announced July 18 that armed assailants kidnapped five foreign nationals from a construction site approximately 55 km (34 miles) from the town of Kwala, located in Koulikoro Region, July 17. Victims include three Chinese nationals and two Mauritanian nationals. The assailants also stole vehicles during the incident. No has group claimed responsibility as yet; however, members of the Group for the Victory of Islam and the Faithful (Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wa al-Moumin, JNIM) alliance, an umbrella organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), could be behind the kidnapping. Further details are unavailable.

Kwela is located approximately 170 km (106 miles) north of Bamako.

Context

There is a very high risk of violence and kidnapping by Islamist groups in northern Mali, including in Gao, Kidal, Menaka, Taoudenit, and Tombouctou regions, the eastern districts of Mopti region, and as far west as the town of Nampala in Segou Region. However, this latest incident is notable as it occurred outside the area that traditionally carries an elevated kidnapping threat.

Militants often use kidnapping, particularly of foreign nationals, as a form of leverage against foreign armies and governments, that target insurgent groups in the region. However, the incident is more likely financially motivated given the lack of Chinese or Mauritanian military presence in Mali.

Groups conduct kidnappings to raise funds to finance their operations. In line with the complex security dynamic in the region, cooperation between militant groups is common, particularly in the case of foreign kidnap targets. Efforts by local authorities to halt such activities have largely failed to lessen the threat.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of kidnapping in Mali. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area in the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure secure transport. Traveling with a well-armed escort is advised throughout Mali.