In Mali’s Sahel region, Siaka Dembélé, President of the Ségou Regional Council, has appeared in a video released by armed groups who abducted him earlier this month. Dembélé was kidnapped on October 3 while traveling between Ségou and Bamako.

In the viral footage circulating on social media, the regional official is seen calling on Malian authorities to open negotiations with his captors to secure his release. His appeal underscores the growing insecurity in central Mali, where abductions have become increasingly common.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as two journalists from Mali’s national broadcaster, ORTM, were also kidnapped this week in the same region. The incidents have reignited calls for stronger protection measures for public officials and media professionals operating in conflict-prone areas.