Deadly Attack Hits Villages in Central Mali

According to the reports on Monday (16 December), a deadly terrorist attack struck the villages of Segue and Sonfounou in central Mali on Sunday (15 December), leaving nine people dead, including a cleric’s relative and eight other men. The diocese of the Mopti region and a civil society group confirmed the attack, highlighting its devastating human toll. Initial reports cited seven deaths in Segue, while two more victims were later confirmed in Sonfounou.

The attack caused significant property damage in both villages. The clinic, pharmacy, and ambulance in Segue were set on fire, along with the mayor’s private car. Several motorbikes were also stolen during the assault, compounding the losses suffered by the local communities.

The Patriotic Movement for the Unity and Safeguarding of the Bankass Cercle, a civil society organization expressed shock over the incident and condemned the violence. The group emphasized the destructive nature of the attack and called attention to the worsening security situation in the region.

Mali has been plagued by political instability, economic hardship, and ongoing violence from extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State since 2012. Additionally, the country faces a separatist insurgency in its northern desert, further deepening its security crisis. Authorities have not yet confirmed the reported tolls or provided an independent assessment of the incident.

References

• Deadly Attack Hits Central Mali Villages Leaving Nine Dead and Causing Destruction