MALI | Dan Na Ambassagou Denies Reports of Leader Youssouf Toloba’s Arrest
The Dan Na Ambassagou militia, associated with traditional hunters and local armed groups, has denied reports that its leader, Youssouf Toloba, was arrested or surrounded, stating that he is in good health and continues his peacebuilding activities.
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In a video statement, the movement’s representative, Almaouloud Ongoiba, said the group had been operating for years without support from any party. He added that its ranks include members of the Dogon community, as well as Bambara and other ethnic groups.
Ongoiba said security challenges extend beyond Bandiagara to Douentza, Mopti, San, and Ségou. He claimed that repeated warnings issued to the army and authorities had not received the necessary response.
He also pointed to the presence of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) militants in the Ningari and Kendié areas and their surroundings. He said the army had carried out a targeted airstrike, although he considered the response somewhat delayed.
The movement also intends to appeal to Mali’s transitional president, Assimi Goïta, to pay greater attention to security conditions in the affected regions.
Ongoiba concluded by describing Dan Na Ambassagou as a patriotic organization prepared to continue its struggle, even at the cost of self-sacrifice.
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