Next steps as violence surges in central Mali

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the escalation of violence in central Mali, specifically following a March 23 attack on Ogossagou. It argues that government responses, including military operations and local dialogues, have been insufficient and often exacerbate tensions by stigmatizing specific communities or failing to provide a coordinated national strategy for security and justice.

• On 23 March, an attack on the village of Ogossagou in the Mopti region resulted in the deaths of 157 Fulani civilians, allegedly carried out by the Dan Nan Ambassagou group. In response, the government's Council of Ministers dissolved the Dan Nan Ambassagou group and reorganized the military hierarchy.
• Violent extremist groups, such as the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and its constituent Katiba Macina, exploit weak governance and the state's inability to protect civilians and property in rural areas. Katiba Macina has specifically gained influence by resolving disputes over agricultural and pastoral lands in the Central Niger Delta since 2015.
• Government counter-terrorism operations have contributed to deteriorating relations with civilians due to human rights violations and arbitrary arrests. For example, 20 members of the Fulani community died during such activities in the Mondoro region in mid-February.
• Current peace efforts and community dialogues are viewed as ineffective because they lack coordination as a national strategy and are often disconnected from national decision-making processes. The briefing suggests that the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process, launched in December 2018, is a critical but undermined tool for recovering illegal weapons.
• To stabilize the region, the government should appoint a high representative for the central regions to coordinate the Plan de Sécurisation intégrée des régions du centre (PSIRC), avoid stigmatizing the Fulani community as jihadist affiliates, and fight impunity to prevent further massacres.

APA

Sangaré, B. (n.d.). Next steps as violence surges in central Mali. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/next-steps-as-violence-surges-in-central-mali

Chicago

Sangaré, Boukary. Next steps as violence surges in central Mali. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/next-steps-as-violence-surges-in-central-mali.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sangaré |first1=Boukary |title=Next steps as violence surges in central Mali |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.org/iss-today/next-steps-as-violence-surges-in-central-mali |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sangarndnext, author = {Sangaré, Boukary}, title = {{Next steps as violence surges in central Mali}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.org/iss-today/next-steps-as-violence-surges-in-central-mali}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }