A social media influencer on TikTok was abducted and publicly killed in front of her family members. Mariam Cissé, who amassed nearly 100,000 followers on the platform, frequently shared videos showcasing life in her hometown of Tonka in the northern Timbuktu region.
Known for her support of the military and often appearing in their attire in her videos, Mariam’s content typically took a light-hearted and humorous approach to navigating life in a volatile country. Suspected to be in her 20s, Mariam was captured by a jihadist group in a neighboring town while live streaming on Thursday, November 6.
According to her brother speaking to AFP, the jihadists accused Mariam of informing the Malian army about their movements. Subsequently, Mariam was transported by motorcycle to Tonka and fatally shot in Independence Square, with her brother among the onlookers, as per AFP reports.
A security source revealed that Mariam was targeted for allegedly filming the jihadists on behalf of the Malian army, labeling the act as ‘barbaric’. The assailants believed she had been working as a spy for the military.
The brutal killing of Mariam has stunned the nation, which is already grappling with a fuel blockade instigated by the terrorist group. Mali has been experiencing fuel shortages, particularly in the capital Bamako, following attacks on tankers by militants linked to an al-Qaeda affiliate.
This crisis has disrupted daily life, leading to the closure of schools and universities. Mali heavily relies on fuel imports from neighboring countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast due to its landlocked geography.
Despite a military takeover in 2021 promising enhanced security, the jihadist insurgency persists, with significant parts of the country remaining beyond government control, according to BBC reports. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union commission chairperson, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, emphasizing the adverse impact on civilians due to blockades and disruptions in essential supplies.
He condemned the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, resulting in loss of lives and heightened instability in the region.