The brutal execution of Mariam Cissé, a young TikTok influencer from Mali, has sent shockwaves across the nation as the country grapples with a deepening jihadist insurgency. Cissé, in her 20s and boasting over 100,000 followers on TikTok, was known for her videos showcasing life in her hometown of Tonka in the northern Timbuktu region. She often expressed support for the Malian army, a stance that reportedly led to her tragic demise. According to reports, she was seized by suspected jihadists while live-streaming from a market in a neighboring town and later executed in Tonka’s Independence Square. Her brother, who witnessed the horrific event, revealed that she had been accused of aiding the army by revealing jihadist movements. Cissé’s death has intensified concerns over Mali’s deteriorating security situation, exacerbated by a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups. The blockade has severely disrupted daily life, forcing schools and universities to remain closed for weeks. The African Union has expressed deep concern over the crisis, condemning the attacks on civilians and pledging support for Mali and other Sahel nations. The military junta, which seized power in 2021, has struggled to contain the insurgency, with large swathes of the country still outside government control. The French foreign ministry has advised its citizens to leave Mali immediately, highlighting the escalating humanitarian and security challenges.