Five Indian nationals were kidnapped on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the western part of Mali by armed individuals , a security source and a representative of their employer told AFP on Friday, November 7, 2025.

The victims were part of the staff of a company in charge of electrifying several areas of Mali, according to the security source.

"They were abducted yesterday (Thursday) by armed men near the town of Kobri ," located in western Mali, the source told AFP, wishing to remain anonymous. "We confirm the abduction of the five Indians," an official from their company also told the news agency.

He added that "The other Indians working for the same company have been taken to safety in Bamako ."

Tense Security Context

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for this kidnapping.

Mali, currently under the rule of a military junta, has been gripped by a major security crisis since 2012. This crisis is fueled by the actions of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) , as well as by local criminal groups. This instability is compounded by an already severe economic crisis .

The kidnapping of foreigners is a recurring phenomenon in the country. As a reminder, at the end of September, two Emiratis and an Iranian were kidnapped near the capital by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate. They were released last week after a ransom was paid, estimated at "at least $50 million," according to sources close to the negotiations.