Former Mali parliamentarian Abdou Agouzer Maïga was released on Friday, October 31, 2025, more than two years after being abducted from his mosque in Koutiala on April 23, 2023. His disappearance had sparked widespread concern in the region.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility shortly after the abduction and released a video in May 2023 showing Maïga in captivity. Witnesses reported that he was taken by armed men traveling in a pickup truck.
During his confinement, Maïga appealed for his release, citing fragile health, while his family and supporters ran media campaigns to draw attention to his plight and highlight the lack of formal mechanisms for negotiating civilian hostage releases.
The governor of Koutiala welcomed the discreet release as a “happy ending,” though authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding his liberation or whether any concessions were made. Analysts view the event as a potential sign of the effectiveness of security forces and diplomatic efforts in difficult-to-access areas.
For Maïga’s family, supporters, and the residents of Koutiala, his return ends a long period of uncertainty and raises hopes for the safe release of other captives still held by armed factions.
