Mali’s local al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has offered ​millions of euros for information on ‌the whereabouts of President  Assimi Goita and top military officials, describing the government as an illegitimate ​entity.

The insurgents’ statement on Thursday follows a ​similar offer made by the government for ⁠information leading to JNIM leader Iyad ​Ag Ghaly, and other militant figures.

It was ​shared by the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity and communications worldwide.

Al Qaeda-linked attacks in April that ​killed Mali’s defence minister set off ​fighting across the country’s vast desert north, raising ‌the ⁠prospect of significant gains by armed groups.

JNIM offered €2 million for information leading to Assimi Goita, leader of the government in the ​capital, Bamako, ​who ⁠took power following coups in 2020 and 2021.

The notice also offered €1 ​million each for information about ​Colonel ⁠Lassina Diallo and General Malik Dicko.

It said the reward would be paid to anyone ⁠offering ​information leading to their locations ​or anyone taking concrete action to “neutralise” them.

REUTERS