Mariam Cisse, a young TikTok creator from Tonka, Mali, was killed by armed extremists during a livestream in early November 2025. She was known for posting cheerful videos about life in her hometown and showing support for the Malian army. Her shocking death, confirmed by local officials and global media like AFP and BBC, showed how dangerous life has become in northern Mali for those who speak freely online.
Who was Mariam Cisse?
Mariam Cisse was a 22-year-old TikTok star from Tonka, a small town in the Timbuktu region of Mali. She had nearly 90,000 followers on TikTok, where she shared fun and simple videos about her daily life, cooking, dancing, and showing support for Malian soldiers.According to the Free Press Journal, Mariam often wore army-style clothes in her videos to show solidarity with the Malian troops fighting extremist groups. Her warm personality and honest videos made her well-loved in her community.
How Mariam Cisse was kidnapped and executed
On November 6, 2025, Mariam Cisse was livestreaming from a local fair in Tonka when armed extremists suddenly appeared. Witnesses told Seneweb News that they accused her of helping the Malian army by sharing their movements online. Her brother said the men forced her onto a motorbike and took her away.The next morning, Mariam Cisse was brought back to Tonka’s Independence Square. In front of hundreds of people, including her family, she was publicly executed. Free Press Journal confirmed this was done to send a warning to others who post online in support of the army.
Why Mariam Cisse was targeted by extremists
Mariam Cisse became a target because her videos often praised the Malian army, which has been fighting jihadist groups since 2012. Seneweb reported that the extremists accused her of spying and giving information to the military. Her popularity and public support for government forces made her stand out.Experts say her death was meant to scare civilians from posting pro-army messages or speaking out online. In many parts of northern Mali, people are afraid to use social media because extremists monitor what is shared.
What Mariam Cisse’s death means for Mali
The killing of Mariam Cisse shows how dangerous it is for young people in Mali to speak freely, especially online. According to France 24 and AFP, violence in northern Mali has worsened in 2025, with more attacks on civilians and government workers. Extremist groups still control several towns and use fear to silence anyone showing support for the army.Also Read: Who Was Mariam Cisse? TikTok Creator From Tonka Brutally Killed By Armed Extremists During LivestreamHer story comes just weeks after another group of teachers were threatened in Gao for working with government troops. Mariam Cisse’s death has sparked global outrage, with many calling for justice and better protection for civilians.
