Unsolved case · 2022
Katyń Memorial - Niles, ILCredit: chicagogeekCC BY-SA 2.0SourceThe short answer
On 18–19 June 2022, 132 civilians were killed by Islamist insurgents in Diallassagou and two surrounding towns in Bankass Cercle, Mopti Region, Mali.
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Suggest coverage for 2022 Bankass massacresOn 18 and 19 June 2022, a group of militants killed 132 civilians in Diallassagou and two neighboring towns in Bankass Cercle, in Mali's Mopti Region. The attackers, who spoke Fula, also burned huts and houses and stole cattle during the assault.
The killings occurred within the broader context of an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel that began in the early 2010s, part of what is referred to as the Mali War. Central Mali's Mopti Region had already experienced a series of prior massacres, including those at Ogossagou in March 2019, Sobane Da in June 2019, and Bankass itself in December 2021.
The violence in the region is also connected to nomadic conflict, particularly disputes over water and land access between the farming Dogon people, who mostly practice traditional religion, and the nomadic Fula population, who are predominantly Muslim.
Over the two days of 18–19 June 2022, militants speaking the Fula language carried out killings across Diallassagou and two surrounding towns in Bankass Cercle. In total, 132 civilians were killed. Beyond the killings, the insurgents burned huts and residential structures and stole livestock (cattle) from residents.
The Malian government stated that the perpetrators were Macina Katiba, an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group. The group is headed by Fulani preacher Amadou Kouffa and was established in 2015.
Massacre at Ogossagou, Mopti Region.
Massacre at Sobane Da, Mopti Region.
Massacre in Bankass, Mopti Region.
Militants speaking Fula begin killings in Diallassagou and surrounding towns in Bankass Cercle.
Killings, burning of huts and houses, and cattle theft continue, bringing the total death toll to 132 civilians.
Victims first. Every legal label is set from public records and court outcomes, not from the prose.
Officially named a person of interest by Malian authorities, which identify him as head of the Macina Katiba group blamed for the massacres; not charged in a judicial proceeding.[3]
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