Tonka, Mali: targeted killing by jihadists sparks local outrage

What began as a routine evening in Tonka ended in tragedy when local butcher Abdoulaye Tandina—known affectionately as Badou « Wayé »—was forcibly taken from the town’s marketplace and executed by armed men on the outskirts of the settlement.

For over four decades, Tandina had carved out a life in Tonka, earning respect as both a skilled butcher and a compassionate figure in the community. Despite no longer holding an official position among the city’s butchers, his presence remained deeply felt. His daughter, who runs a shop in Tombouctou, remains profoundly distraught following the loss, according to a family acquaintance.

A wave of targeted killings in Tonka

Tandina’s death marks the fourth targeted assassination in Tonka within eight months. Earlier this year, a youth association leader and a Quranic teacher were both killed by armed groups. In November 2025, the public execution of Mariam Cissé—a young TikTok user who openly supported Mali’s armed forces—sent shockwaves across the country.

Yet Tandina, who avoided public displays of political allegiance, left many questioning why he was singled out. A family member revealed that he was a distant relative of the current head of Tombouctou’s transitional municipal council—a position that appears unrelated to his killing. Despite inquiries, neither regional authorities nor military officials have provided any clarification.