Madar (Bamako) - Three teachers were kidnapped within 48 hours, on 20 and 21 October 2026, in the San region of central Mali, Malian broadcaster Studio Tamani reported on Thursday, 22 October, citing Tiekoura Coulibaly, regional spokesman for the Synergy of education unions that signed the 15 October 2016 agreement.
The first kidnapping took place on Tuesday, 20 October at around 3 p.m., targeting the director of the primary school at Fani, in Yangasso district. Two more teachers were taken on Wednesday, 21 October, some 30 to 40 kilometres from the town of San. "The director and a teacher - that is three kidnappings in 48 hours," the union official said.
He said the kidnappings appeared linked to threats against the running of schools, with information gathered by the unions pointing to demands that Arabic be taught or schools be closed. "The reason we know is: either you teach Arabic or the school is closed," he said.
Talks are reportedly under way to secure the release of the two teachers kidnapped on Wednesday. "We really want our three colleagues to come back safe and sound," Coulibaly said. The source did not say who was behind the kidnappings.
The union group called on the authorities to strengthen security at schools and take steps to protect teachers.
