Authorities and citizens in Mali are increasingly worried about the disappearance of Siaka Dembélé, the president of a regional council who went missing last Friday while traveling to Bamako.
Family members fear Dembélé may have been abducted by armed groups operating in the area, though no organization has claimed responsibility so far. His sudden disappearance has deepened anxiety across the central region, already grappling with insecurity.
The incident comes amid a rise in attacks and kidnappings along the Bamako–Ségou corridor, a vital route connecting the capital to Mali’s interior. Locals say the situation has made travel risky, with many fearing further escalation.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but regional observers warn that growing lawlessness could further undermine stability and public confidence in government efforts to restore peace in central Mali.
