Mariam Cisse, a young TikTok creator from Tonka in northern Mali, was tragically killed after being abducted by suspected jihadists, according to her family and local officials. The 18-year-old, who frequently shared videos about her life and community with over 100,000 followers, often expressed support for the Malian army.
Mariam was seized while live-streaming at a market in a neighboring town and was taken the following day to Tonka, where she was executed publicly in Independence Square. Her brother witnessed the attack, and authorities reported that the assailants accused her of filming them for the army. State media noted that Mariam’s content was meant to promote her community and support national defense, with some videos showing her in a military uniform and captions reading “Vive Mali.”
Her death highlights the ongoing risks faced by civilians amid Mali’s long-running jihadist insurgency, which began in 2012. Recent weeks have seen fuel blockades imposed by Al-Qaeda-linked groups, worsening access to essential supplies and humanitarian conditions. African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the attacks on civilians and expressed readiness to support Mali and other Sahel countries during this challenging time.
Mariam’s passing has shocked the nation, leaving her family and followers mourning the loss of a young life cut tragically short while trying to document and uplift her community.
