Mali is in shock after Mariam Cissé, a young TikTok content creator in her 20s, was seized and executed by suspected jihadists. Cissé, who had over 100,000 followers, frequently shared videos about life in her hometown of Tonka in the northern Timbuktu region and often expressed support for the Malian army.
According to BBC News Cissé’s intention had been to highlight her community and back the army through her social media posts. She was reportedly abducted while live-streaming at a market in a nearby town, according to French public broadcaster RFI.
Her death comes amid ongoing challenges in Mali, including a fuel blockade in the capital enforced by jihadist groups, which has severely affected daily life. The African Union has voiced “deep concern” over the worsening situation.
Since 2012, Mali has been battling a persistent jihadist insurgency, and Cissé’s killing underscores the continuing risks faced by civilians in conflict zones.
