Chinese national dies in Dakar after armed attack near Kéniéba

A Chinese national, identified as Peilin Li, has died at Dakar’s Hôpital Principal after being evacuated from Mali following an armed attack on a gold-panning site in the Kéniéba area, near the Senegalese border.

According to information reported by Dakaractu, several Chinese nationals were shot and wounded in the attack. Two of them were taken to Dakar for treatment. Peilin Li reportedly died a few hours after being admitted to Hôpital Principal.

An attack during the night

The incident is believed to have occurred during the night of August 24 to 25, at around 3 a.m., in a village about 100 kilometres north of Kéniéba. A group of up to around ten heavily armed men reportedly stormed the site, according to information cited by the media outlet.

The attackers reportedly targeted equipment and valuables before leaving the scene. The nature and value of any possible loot were not specified.

Evacuation to Dakar

After the attack, relatives reportedly stepped in to take the injured victims to the Kéniéba health centre. An evacuation to Bamako was initially considered, but was reportedly abandoned because of the distance, road conditions and insecurity reported on certain routes.

The victims were ultimately transported to Dakar in vehicles after more than 13 hours on the road. Their arrival at Hôpital Principal was reported to Senegalese authorities on August 26, according to Dakaractu.

An investigation under way

The Faidherbe brigade is seeking to establish the circumstances of the attack. Peilin Li’s death is described as a challenge for the investigation, as he was considered a direct witness to the events. Investigators plan to take statements from the other survivors when their health permits.

An autopsy and further interviews were expected to clarify how the assault unfolded, the identity of those responsible and the motive for the attack.