Ségou–Bamako Route: Two Egyptian Traders Kidnapped, Jihadist Lead Suspected

Two Egyptian nationals, identified as traveling traders, were abducted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, on the road connecting Ségou to Bamako. The incident occurred in broad daylight in an area known to be a regular target for armed groups in Mali.

Details of the Abduction

The victims, unofficially named as Saleh Samir and Abdelazim Morsi, were traveling in a utility vehicle when they were intercepted by unidentified armed men. A Malian interpreter, Houssam Diko, was also reportedly taken. While no group has claimed responsibility, security sources point to the possible involvement of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is active in central Mali.

A Pattern of Targeting Foreign Nationals

This event is part of a worrying surge in kidnappings targeting foreign workers. In July, three Indian nationals were abducted during an attack on a cement factory in Kayes. Weeks later, two Chinese citizens were kidnapped from a mining site in Narena. September saw reports of two Emiratis and an Iranian being taken near Bamako. These incidents underscore the growing security risks for expatriates on key economic routes.

A Notoriously Dangerous Corridor

For months, the Bamako–Ségou road has been one of the most perilous in central Mali, plagued by recurrent ambushes, improvised explosive devices, and targeted kidnappings. Despite intensified sweeping operations by the Malian armed forces, mobile cells of militants continue to operate in the region.

As of now, neither the Malian authorities nor the Egyptian embassy in Bamako have officially confirmed the victims’ identities or commented on the ongoing search. Security services remain mobilized to locate the hostages. This latest abduction highlights the extreme vulnerability of civilians and foreign workers on the country’s strategic routes, where armed groups seek to exert control.

Source: journaldumali.com