Mali is in shock after Mariam Cisse, a popular TikTok influencer, was abducted and executed in a public square in the northern town of Tonka. Cisse, who had nearly 100,000 followers on the video-sharing platform, regularly posted videos praising Mali’s army.
According to state television ORTM and two local sources, armed men seized Cisse on Thursday in a crowded market. While the exact date of the execution is unclear with sources citing either Friday or Saturday the killing is believed to have been carried out by jihadist militants aligned with al Qaeda, operating in the contested northern region.
“This young woman simply wanted to promote her community through her TikTok posts and encourage the Malian army in its missions to protect people and their property,” ORTM reported. In one of her videos, Cisse appeared in military fatigues with the caption “Vive Mali,” expressing support for the national army.
The northern regions of Mali have long been a battleground between government forces and armed groups, particularly Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda-affiliated organization. The militants have intensified attacks against civilians seen as supportive of the army, creating a climate of fear in towns like Tonka.
The abduction and killing of Cisse underline the growing threat posed by armed groups in Mali. For the past two months, a fuel blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants has paralyzed the capital, raising fears that jihadists may try to extend control over more areas of the country.
Local sources confirmed the story but did not witness the execution directly. One reported hearing details from witnesses in the crowd, while another obtained information from Cisse’s family. No militant group has officially claimed responsibility for the killing.
Cisse’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by civilians and online personalities who publicly support Mali’s military in areas controlled or contested by insurgent groups. Her tragic end has sparked outrage and deep concern over the safety of residents in northern Mali.
