Mali’s army denies claims it released 200 suspected jihadists to stop fuel tanker attacks, calling the reports “pure manipulation” and without credible sources

The Malian army has denied reports claiming that around 200 suspected jihadists were released in mid-March to secure a truce aimed at ending attacks on fuel convoys crippling the country’s economy.

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Initial reports from security and political sources suggested that more than 100 jihadists had been freed, but later accounts raised the figure to about 200.

The supposed arrangement reportedly included a temporary truce extending until the major Muslim festival of Tabaski at the end of May.

“The remarks, reported by certain media outlets, are intended to tarnish Mali’s image and undermine trust between the people and their institutions, particularly between the Malian people and their defence and security forces,” said Souleymane Dembele, director of information and public relations for the armed forces, at a press briefing.

He described the reports as “pure manipulation, completely unfounded and lacking any reliable source.”

Since September, jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, have repeatedly targeted tanker convoys, paralyzing the capital, Bamako, during a peak crisis in October.

Although the situation had eased in recent months, residents still experienced a diesel shortage in early March, with fuel prioritised for the energy sector.

According to community representatives and local officials, two of the suspected jihadists reportedly died after their release, with another passing away on Sunday.

Mali has been grappling with a severe security crisis since 2012, driven by violence from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups, local criminal gangs, and pro-independence factions.

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Fuel supply disruptions have highlighted the country’s ongoing vulnerabilities and the challenges faced by its security forces in restoring stability.