BAMAKO, Mali — Hooded gunmen forcibly took a former government minister and vocal opponent of Mali’s military leadership from his residence, according to family members who spoke with news outlets on Sunday. The incident comes amid growing tensions following recent coordinated strikes against the West African nation’s ruling authorities.
The residence of Mountaga Tall in Mali’s capital city was raided just before midnight Saturday, family member Mahmoud Touré reported. The armed individuals provided no identification and gave no explanation for taking Tall, though Touré indicated they appeared to be military personnel.
“They did not explain why and did not present an arrest warrant,” he said. “The soldiers mistreated Mountaga Tall’s wife and took his phone.”
Tall previously held the position of education and science minister between 2016 and 2017 and currently leads the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political organization that opposes the current military administration. In his legal practice, he provides representation for politicians and citizens who face detention for speaking out against the ruling junta.
Mali experienced a major assault on April 26 when coordinated strikes targeted the military in Bamako and multiple other locations, with jihadist fighters and rebel forces capturing various towns and military installations. The attacks resulted in multiple casualties, including defense minister Sadio Camara.
The extremist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) joined forces with the Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist movement led by Tuareg groups, to execute the most significant offensive against government forces since 2012.
Military authorities announced Friday that they possessed proof of soldier involvement in collaborating with these groups during the attacks. This revelation has prompted a series of detentions across the country.
Tall’s relatives have submitted formal documentation “regarding kidnapping and disappearance” to security officials. Government representatives have not issued any statements concerning the recent wave of arrests.
