A former minister and prominent Malian lawyer has been kidnapped by armed, masked men in Bamako, according to a family member
Bamako, Mali — A former Mali minister and critic of the ruling junta was abducted from his home by armed, masked men, one of his family members told The Associated Press on Sunday, as a wave of shock waves spread. armed attack Against the government in the conflict-torn West African nation.
Mtaaga Tall’s home in the capital, Bamako, was attacked shortly before midnight Saturday, his relative Mahmoud Touré told AP. The men did not identify themselves, nor did they say why they were occupying the tower, but Touré said they were from the armed forces.
“They did not give any reason and did not even produce an arrest warrant,” he said. “Soldiers abused Mtaga Tall’s wife and took her phone.”
Tal served as Mali’s Minister of Education and Science from 2016 to 2017 and is president of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative, a political party opposing the military government. As a lawyer, he represents politicians and other individuals who have been arrested for criticizing the junta.
Mali was attacked on 26 April One of the largest coordinated attacks Its forces came under attack in Bamako and several other cities by jihadists and rebels, who captured several towns and military bases. Many people including the Defense Minister were killed in the attack. sadio camara.
Islamic militant group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) and Tuareg-led separatist group Azad Liberation Front jointly launched the biggest attack on the government since 2012.
On Friday the military government said it had done so Proof The soldiers cooperated with the groups to launch attacks. Since then it has made a series of arrests.
Tall’s family said they have filed a complaint with security forces “in connection with the abduction and disappearance.” The government has not commented on the arrests.
