Benson Chukwu
A Mali-based TikTok creator has been brutally murdered by militants associated with Al-Qaeda, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Mariam Cisse was allegedly executed in broad daylight by armed assailants linked to the jihadist group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) on November 7.
The horrific incident highlights the ongoing violence plaguing Mali, where a military-led government struggles to suppress extremist insurgencies active since 2012.
Through her social media presence, Cisse, believed to be in her twenties, passionately documented daily life in Tonka while openly expressing solidarity with Mali’s armed forces.
Her bold pro-military stance was evident in videos where she appeared in army attire, earning admiration from supporters.
Reports indicate that Cisse was forcibly abducted during a live broadcast from a local festival before being transported to Tonka and executed at Independence Square.
Family members revealed to AFP that the attackers accused her of collaborating with security forces, alleging she had disclosed militant movements to the army.
One security official condemned the killing as “a savage act of terror,” while a local leader denounced it as “a cowardly attempt to silence those who stand with our military.“
Cisse’s death has intensified fears over growing jihadist brutality against civilians who openly oppose extremism.
Ayomide Olaniyan
Gbenga Adebayo
