Al-Qaeda-linked fighters have taken control of the strategic town of Farabougou in central Mali, a week after capturing the town’s main army camp.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), Al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, announced through its propaganda outlet al-Zallaqa that it had imposed Sharia law in the town.
According to local officials who fled the area and spoke to AFP, the armed group now controls Farabougou, located about 400 kilometers north of Bamako.
The Malian army has not attempted to retake the camp or the town since abandoning them after last week’s assault, with authorities merely acknowledging the attack without disclosing casualties.
Local sources reported that some residents who had fled have begun returning home after signing an agreement with the fighters, which includes paying taxes to the group, banning music except for religious chants, prohibiting alcohol and cigarettes, and requiring women to wear head coverings.
