Mali’s military government has announced a multi-million-dollar bounty for information leading to the capture or killing of one of the Sahel region’s most wanted jihadist leaders, Iyad Ag Ghaly.
Authorities are offering a reward of two billion CFA francs, equivalent to approximately $3.5 million, for intelligence that results in the arrest or elimination of Ghaly, who leads the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).
JNIM is an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group responsible for some of the deadliest attacks across Mali and the wider Sahel region in recent years.
The Malian government said the reward forms part of its efforts to intensify the fight against terrorism and dismantle networks responsible for persistent insecurity in the country.
Ghaly, a former Tuareg rebel commander and diplomat, is one of the most prominent jihadist figures operating in West Africa. He is also wanted by the United States and the International Criminal Court over allegations linked to terrorism and conflict-related crimes.
In addition to the bounty on Ghaly, Malian authorities announced separate rewards for information on his deputy, Amadou Kouffa, as well as two Tuareg rebel leaders whose identities were included in the government’s wanted notice.
Officials accused the wanted men of planning, coordinating and carrying out terrorist attacks that have resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and widespread insecurity across several regions of Mali.
The announcement comes as the country continues to face significant security challenges despite years of military operations against extremist groups.
Mali has been under military rule since a coup in 2020 that brought the current transitional authorities to power. Since then, the government has prioritized security operations aimed at reclaiming territory from armed groups and restoring stability.
However, large parts of northern and central Mali remain affected by violence involving jihadist insurgents, Islamic State-affiliated fighters, ethnic militias and criminal networks.
The security crisis has also spilled across borders into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, contributing to one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.
Analysts say the latest bounty reflects growing pressure on Malian authorities to demonstrate progress in the fight against terrorism amid continuing attacks on civilians, military personnel and public infrastructure.
JNIM remains one of the most active extremist groups in the region and has expanded its operations beyond Mali into several neighbouring countries, exploiting weak state presence and longstanding local grievances.
The group has frequently targeted military installations, government facilities and civilian communities, contributing to a worsening humanitarian situation across the Sahel.
Security experts believe that while financial rewards can encourage intelligence sharing, addressing the root causes of instability—including poverty, weak governance and limited state services—remains essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
The latest move underscores Mali’s determination to pursue high-profile militant leaders as it seeks to curb insurgent violence and strengthen national security amid ongoing regional instability.
