3 Then, 5 Now – Rising Kidnappings of Indians in Mali Raise Global Concern

The safety of Indians abroad has once again become a matter of worry as reports confirm that five Indian nationals have been kidnapped in Mali, West Africa. This incident follows the abduction of three Indians earlier in July this year, highlighting a disturbing trend of rising attacks targeting foreign workers in the region.

According to security officials and company representatives, the latest kidnapping took place near Kobri in western Mali, where a group of armed men abducted Indian workers employed in an electrification project. The company has confirmed the kidnapping and stated that other Indian employees working on the same project have been relocated to the capital city, Bamako, for safety. However, the identities of the victims have not yet been revealed.

No militant organization has claimed responsibility so far. Mali, currently under a military junta, has been struggling to control unrest fueled by Al-Qaeda- and Islamic State-linked groups. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) has been active in the area, worsening both the security and economic crises.

Kidnappings of foreigners have become common in Mali since 2012, when armed rebellions and insurgencies destabilized the nation. In July, three Indians were abducted, and in September, two Emiratis and an Iranian were kidnapped by the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group, reportedly released later after a ransom payment.

The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and is said to be in touch with Malian authorities to secure the safe release of the abducted citizens.