A Malian woman, known for her pro-military content on TikTok, has been publicly executed in the northern city of Tonka. The victim, identified as Mariam Cisse, was reportedly abducted by armed militants before being killed.
Cisse, who had a following of approximately 100,000 on the popular social media platform, regularly posted videos praising the Malian army. Sources indicate she was seized on Thursday and subsequently executed by firing squad.
The incident occurred in a region plagued by conflict between the Malian army and the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a group affiliated with al-Qaeda. Two local sources confirmed the account, one relaying information from an eyewitness and the other from the victim’s family. Neither source directly witnessed the execution.
“Mariam was forcibly taken from the market in front of everyone,” one source stated.
Reports vary regarding the exact timing of the execution. While one source claimed it occurred on Friday, the official state television and a second source reported it took place on Saturday.
One source speculated that the perpetrators were members of “local jihadist groups” fighting against the Malian army. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction and execution.
According to state television, “This young woman was only seeking to support her community and encourage the Malian army in its missions to protect people and their property.” The report did not identify the group responsible for Cisse’s abduction.
The Malian government is facing increasing pressure from JNIM and other armed groups. A two-month-long fuel blockade, imposed by militants linked to al-Qaeda, has brought the capital to a near standstill, raising concerns about the groups’ potential to seize control of the country. The execution highlights the growing instability and dangers faced by civilians in the conflict-ridden nation.
