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West Africa militant leaders sanctioned for hostage incidents

The United States has taken strong action against the leaders of militant groups in West Africa involved in hostage-taking incidents, particularly those involving American citizens.

The U.S. Treasury and State departments announced sanctions on the leaders of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen and Al-Mourabitoun, both of which have been responsible for carrying out these actions.

US sanctions militant leaders over hostages in West Africa www.whoownsafrica.com
Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of Malian military junta, attends the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) consultative meeting in Accra, Ghana September 15, 2020.

The decision to impose sanctions on these groups is crucial as it aims to deter and punish the detaining of U.S. citizens abroad. The instability in West Africa caused by these Islamist insurgencies has been a growing concern, with militant groups spreading across the Sahel region despite efforts from the international community.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of using all available tools to bring back U.S. citizens held hostage abroad and to prevent future incidents.

The Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, highlighted the reliance of these groups on hostage-taking to gain leverage and instill fear, causing anguish for victims and their families.

US sanctions militant leaders over hostages in West Africa www.whoownsafrica.com
West Africa militant leaders sanctioned for hostage incidents www.whoownsafrica.com

The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on seven leaders of JNIM and Al-Mourabitoun for their involvement in the hostage-taking of U.S. nationals in West Africa.

Additionally, the Treasury Department sanctioned two leaders of JNIM based in Mali and Burkina Faso, including one responsible for supervising the detention of a U.S. national.

These measures are aimed at freezing any U.S. assets belonging to these individuals and prohibiting Americans from conducting any business with them.

This significant action showcases the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its citizens overseas and holding accountable those responsible for their unlawful detention.


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