The Malian government is intensifying its crackdown on armed groups by extending asset freezes on several high-profile figures.
This is in response to emerging reports of a possible alliance between the JNIM jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) rebels.
The country’s Minister of Economy and Finance on March 4, signed a decree extending for six months the freeze on financial assets and economic resources belonging to key leaders of these groups. This move aims to disrupt their financial networks and weaken their operations on Malian soil.
Among those targeted is Iyad Ag Ghaly, leader of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a coalition affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Considered one of the most powerful jihadist figures in the Sahel, Ag Ghaly is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, and torture.
Other figures affected by the sanctions include Amadou Kouffa, head of the Katiba Macina, and four prominent FLA leaders; Alghabass Ag Intalla, Bilal Ag Acherif, Achafagui Ag Bouhada, and Fahad Ag Almahmoud, who was killed in a Malian military strike in December 2024.
The Malian government has justified these actions with allegations of terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal arms possession, and threats to national unity.
Arrest warrants have been issued for these individuals, further intensifying judicial pressure on armed factions.
Source: WAVN