Bamako, Mali-In a new escalation of the security crisis in the African Sahel region, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group “Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin” (JNIM) claimed responsibility
for the kidnapping of three Egyptian citizens in western Mali.
The group demanded a huge ransom of US$5 million in exchange for the release of the three victims.
The group explained in its statement that the operation aims
to “strike supporters of the Russian occupation”.
This is in reference to the military cooperation between the Bamako government
and Russian mercenary forces in the region.
Businessman and project workers targeted
The kidnapping took place on the Ségou-Bamako road, east of the Malian capital.
The statement confirmed that one of the victims was an
Egyptian businessman suspected of collaborating with financial authorities.
Security sources reported that the other victims were working on electrical
and agricultural investment projects in remote areas with a weak military presence.
Diplomatic follow-up and warnings to Cairo
The Egyptian Emergency Room confirmed that all victims are receiving
continuous diplomatic follow-up through the embassy in Bamako.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for Egyptian citizens
in Mali to: minimize travel outside the capital,
Always carry official documents and abide by local laws.
The Foreign Ministry also announced emergency contact numbers,
including WhatsApp services for the embassy.
Ransom as a key funding tool
This kidnapping is the latest example of the deteriorating security situation in Mali,
which, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2025,
has become a major hub for terrorist operations.
Armed groups have increased their kidnappings of foreigners
following the withdrawal of French forces.
The United Nations forces (MINUSMA) rely on ransom
demands as a major source of funding.
Experts point out that Egypt’s historical behavior tends to reject direct payments to terrorists.
And reliance on mediation or military interventions.
