Senegalese and Malian authorities have strongly denied reports of a missing bus carrying 70 Senegalese pilgrims in the Kayes region of Mali.
The bus was reportedly en route from Abidjan to the Magal of Touba when it went missing on August 9, sparking speculation of a terrorist attack, which officials have dismissed, citing technical failures instead.
Rumors of a terrorist attack near Diéma circulated rapidly on social media, prompting authorities from both countries to issue a coordinated and firm denial. They stated that no security incidents had been reported on the route. The president of the Association of Senegalese Nationals in Kayes also denied the claims, adding that no official authorization had been issued for the trip.
The Consulate General of Senegal in Abidjan provided some clarification on the journey. The bus driver, identified as Baye Lo, had initially reported he was carrying 52 passengers. The journey was reportedly plagued by multiple mechanical failures, first in Adjamé, then in Yamoussoukro, and finally on Malian territory. These breakdowns forced some travelers to return to Senegal by other means. A Mouride leader also denied any connection to an attack, urging the community to be cautious.
Official and local sources in both Mali and Senegal contacted by APA stated they were unaware of the incident, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
The reported disappearance occurs in a region with a tense security environment. The Kayes region has previously seen attacks, such as one on Nigerien nationals in 2021. More recently, the attacks of July 1, 2025, claimed by the JNIM, have heightened tensions. In response, Senegal has significantly increased surveillance of its border with Mali and intensified controls on cross-border travel to ensure the safety of its nationals.
MD/ac/fss/abj/APA