A Malian woman known for her TikTok videos supporting the army was abducted and publicly executed by armed assailants, state media and local sources confirmed.
Mariam Cisse, who had nearly 100,000 followers, was taken from the northern town of Tonka on Thursday and later shot by her captors, according to state TV network ORTM. Two local sources, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, corroborated the reports.
The region is a contested zone between Mali’s army and the al Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). One source said Cisse was forcibly seized from the market in front of witnesses, while the execution reportedly took place either Friday or Saturday. The attackers are believed to have been members of local jihadist factions, though no group has claimed responsibility.
Cisse frequently posted videos promoting the army, including clips of herself in military fatigues with captions such as “Vive Mali.” ORTM described her content as an effort to encourage the army and promote her community, noting she posed no threat beyond her support.
Mali’s military government is increasingly pressured by JNIM and other armed groups. A fuel blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants two months ago has paralyzed the capital, raising concerns that the jihadists may attempt to expand their control.
