Malian authorities unveiled a new initiative on Thursday, offering financial incentives to individuals who can provide actionable intelligence leading to the apprehension of those suspected of orchestrating attacks against both civilians and critical infrastructure across the nation.

A significant bounty of two billion CFA francs (approximately 3.55 million US dollars) has been designated for any information that pinpoints the whereabouts of Iyad Ag Gali, the notorious leader of the ‘Nasra al-Islam wal-Muslimin’ (JNIM) group. Lesser, yet still substantial, rewards are also on offer for details concerning several other high-profile fugitives.

Among those prominently featured on the government’s wanted list is El Ghabas Ag Antala, identified as a leading figure within the Tuareg separatist movements operating in Mali’s northern regions.

This decisive action follows a series of devastating assaults claimed by groups linked to Al-Qaeda last April. Those incidents tragically resulted in the death of the Defense Minister and left several other officials wounded. The attacks also ignited widespread clashes across vast expanses of the country’s northern desert, fueling concerns that armed factions could achieve further territorial gains.

The decree, originating from Bamako, bears the signature of Major General Daoud Ali Mohamedine, Mali’s current Minister of Security and Civil Protection, underscoring the gravity of the government’s commitment.