Malian TikToker Executed by Suspected Jihadists for Supporting Army

Mon Nov 10 2025 16:20:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mariam Cissé, a popular TikTok influencer from Mali, was killed by jihadists after she posted videos expressing support for the Malian army. Her execution highlights the ongoing threats faced by civilians in the region amidst an escalating jihadist insurgency.

Mariam Cissé, a TikTok influencer in her twenties, was killed by suspected jihadists in Mali for her pro-army social media posts. Known for her content portraying life in her hometown and her support for the army, Cissé was abducted while live-streaming and executed, drawing national outrage amid a worsening security crisis exacerbated by a jihadi blockade affecting essential supplies.

Malian TikToker Executed by Suspected Jihadists for Supporting Army

Mariam Cissé, a female TikToker accused of helping Mali's army, has been seized and killed execution-style by suspected jihadists.

In her 20s and boasting over 100,000 followers, Cissé frequently shared videos about life in her hometown of Tonka in the northern Timbuktu region, often expressing support for the Malian military.

Her untimely death has sent shockwaves through the nation, which has grappled with a jihadist insurgency since 2012. State TV reported that she aimed to promote her community and showcase support for the army via her TikTok posts.

Mali is currently facing a severe fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups, which has significantly disrupted daily life, leading to deep concern from the African Union.

Cissé was abducted by jihadists while live-streaming from a market and accused of informing the Malian army of their movements, according to her brother.

She was transferred to Tonka by motorbike and executed publicly at the town's Independence Square, as her brother was among the bystanders. A security source indicated that her assassination stemmed from accusations of filming jihadists for the military.

In her videos, which sometimes featured her in a military uniform, one post was captioned Vive Mali (Long Live Mali).

The broader security situation in Mali remains dire, particularly as insurgency-related blockades have hindered access to essential supplies, resulting in school closures for weeks. The government has been urged to do everything possible to resolve the ongoing crisis.

In recent weeks, the French foreign ministry has advised its citizens to evacuate Mali while commercial flights are still operational. The African Union's commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed profound concern over the rapid deterioration of security and the humanitarian crises faced by civilians.

With the military having taken control in Mali in 2021 and pledging to restore security, the ongoing insurgent threats continue to undermine governmental authority over large parts of the country.