Ségou Regional Council President Appears in Video After Abduction by Terrorists

Ségou -, October 15, 2025 - Siaka Dembélé, president of the Ségou Regional Council, who was kidnapped by armed terrorists on October 3 while traveling to Bamako, has appeared in a video released by his captors.

The footage, which surfaced on October 15, shows Dembélé addressing the Malian authorities, pleading for his release. In the video, he states that his abductors are not demanding a ransom but are seeking a prisoner exchange, calling for the release of several detained militants currently held in Malian prisons.

Dembélé appeared visibly tired but alive, seated alongside two other hostages, one of whom was dressed in military uniform.

The Malian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the video or the reported demands. The abduction adds to a growing list of security incidents in central Mali, where terrorist groups continue to target local officials, soldiers, and civilians despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.