The Malian government has announced a new initiative, pledging substantial financial incentives for individuals who come forward with actionable intelligence to locate and apprehend persons authorities believe are responsible for orchestrating attacks against both citizens and vital infrastructure throughout the nation.

A staggering reward of two billion CFA francs, approximately 3.55 million US dollars, has been earmarked for information that directly leads to the capture of Iyad Ag Gali, the prominent leader of the “Nasra al-Islam wal-Muslimin” group. Furthermore, varying but still significant financial rewards have been established for intelligence on several other individuals currently sought by Malian authorities.

Among the high-profile individuals on this wanted list is El Ghabas Ag Antala, recognized as a key figure within the Tuareg separatist movements operating across Mali’s northern territories.

This decisive measure by the Malian government follows a series of lethal assaults reported in April, which have been linked to groups allegedly affiliated with Al-Qaida. These incidents, according to official statements, tragically claimed the life of the Defense Minister and left other officials injured. The ensuing confrontations across the country’s expansive northern desert regions have intensified concerns regarding the potential for armed groups to expand their influence and territorial control within this Sahelian nation.

The decree formalizing these reward offerings was officially issued from Bamako, bearing the signature of Major General Daoud Ali Mohamedine, Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection.