The Omarian community of Mali is in shock after the kidnapping of Amadou Hady Tall, Caliph General of Tidjaniya. The incident occurred near Diabidiala, close to Nioro du Sahel, while he was returning from a ziara (Quran reading) in a nearby village.
According to witnesses, the Khalifa’s convoy was intercepted by armed men who fired at his vehicle, lightly injuring Amadou Hady Tall in the foot. While the other passengers were released, the Caliph was taken to an unknown destination. To date, no official claims have been made, but suspicion has turned to armed groups operating in the region.
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Amadou Hady Tall, descendant of Thierno Mountaga Tall, is a major figure of moderate Islam in Mali. During his last public speech, on September 20, 2024, he condemned terrorism, advocating peace and declaring that “the suffering of Malians is drawing to an end”. These courageous statements may have made him a target for jihadist groups, who often view moderate religious leaders as obstacles to their influence.
The Nioro region of the Sahel, known for its religious importance, is also marked by growing insecurity. Tensions between local religious families, such as that of the Tall and that of Chérif Bouyé Haïdara, nevertheless remain secondary in this context, the kidnapping being more part of the violence ravaging the Sahel.
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