The United States has designated Ousmane Illiassou Djibo – also known as Petit Chapori – as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
As a result of this designation, U.S. citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with Djibo. His property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
Ousmane Illiassou Djibo, a native Nigerien, is a leader in the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in the Greater Sahara, or ISIS-GS, operating in the Menaka Region of Mali. Djibo is a close collaborator and key lieutenant of ISIS-GS leader, Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi. Djibo directed subordinate ISIS-GS members to develop a network to kidnap or attack westerners in Niger and surrounding areas. Djibo has also taken part in numerous assaults on local forces. He led ISIS-GS fighters in the July 1, 2019, attack on the Nigerien Armed Forces base in Inates, Tillaberi Region, Niger, and also provided the order for ISIS-GS fighters to take six Nigerien soldiers hostage during an ambush on Nigerien soldiers near Tongo Tongo on May 14, 2019.
ISIS-GS, which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist in May 2018, continues to threaten the peace, security, and stability of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. ISIS-GS emerged when Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi and his followers split from Al-Mourabitoun, an al-Qaida splinter group and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Al-Sahrawi first pledged allegiance to ISIS in May 2015, and ISIS acknowledged the pledge in October 2016.
The latest designation makes clear to the U.S. public and the international community that Ousmane Illiassou Djibo is a leader of a terrorist organization. Terrorist designations help expose and isolate entities and individuals and limit their access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of U.S. agencies and other governments.
“This designation is part of our continuing effort to counter ISIS financing in Africa,” said Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The United States remains committed to exposing and promoting accountability for all those who commit acts of terrorism.
