The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have called on citizens to stop carrying out lynching and mob justice against people suspected of terrorism, urging the public instead to hand over any captured suspects to the proper authorities for investigation.
The appeal was made on May 6 during a press briefing by Djibrila Maïga, the deputy director of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA). According to him, suspects captured alive are extremely important for security and intelligence services because they can provide valuable information that may help prevent future attacks and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Maïga explained that individuals arrested on suspicion of terrorism should not automatically be considered guilty. He stressed that they remain presumed terrorists until investigations and legal procedures confirm their involvement in criminal activities. For this reason, he said it is important for citizens to allow the justice system and security services to handle such cases instead of taking the law into their own hands.
The military spokesperson also emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between the population and the defense forces at a time when Mali continues to face growing security challenges and intensified military operations against armed groups across the country.
FAMa urged residents to immediately report any arrests or suspicious activities to the competent authorities so that proper investigations can be carried out. Through this message, the army hopes to improve collaboration with civilians while ensuring that intelligence gathering and judicial procedures are respected in the fight against terrorism.
