A high-level government delegation, led by Mali’s Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace, and National Cohesion, General Ismaël Wagué, arrived in Bandiagara (central Mali) on Monday, 11 May 2026. This visit followed a deadly terrorist attack on 6 May that targeted the villages of Kori-Kori and Gomossogou in the Bankass area.

The delegation conveyed the State’s official condolences during a ceremony at the regional governorate. As part of the relief efforts, 25 tonnes of millet, 25 tonnes of rice, and a financial aid package of 20 million FCFA were distributed to affected families.

The Minister attributed the assault to fighters from the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). While the government has yet to release an official death toll, local sources—including the Dana Ambassagou dozos militia—reported over 60 fatalities, numerous injuries, and severe property damage.

Youssouf Toloba, leader of the Dana Ambassagou dozos, stated that Kori-Kori and Gomossogou were attacked after residents refused to sign so-called “peace agreements” with armed terrorist groups. Noël Tessougué, the militia’s deputy leader, warned that villages entering such agreements with JNIM would no longer be spared from violence.

During his address, Minister Ismaël Wagué reaffirmed the transitional authorities’ commitment to ending attacks on civilians across the country. He concluded with a call for unity, solidarity, and national cohesion to address the ongoing security crisis.