Sahar Ragab
The Sahel region of Africa is witnessing a renewed wave of escalating insecurity as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the Al-Qaeda-linked faction operating in the region, intensifies its military activity in Mali. On April 25, the group announced a series of large-scale attacks targeting strategic towns, military positions, and key infrastructure across northern and central Mali—marking one of the most significant escalations in recent years.
Field reports and local sources indicate that JNIM, established in 2017 as a coalition of several armed factions, has gradually evolved into one of the most influential militant actors in the region. It now poses a direct and growing challenge to the authority of the central government in Bamako.
Expansion of Operations and Advanced Tactics
The recent offensive reportedly spanned multiple locations, including Sévaré, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal, with attempts to extend operations toward the outskirts of the capital, Bamako. Media outlets linked to the group claimed control over strategic positions in the north, while Malian military sources stated that several attacks were repelled, particularly near the capital.
The developments are especially significant given the strategic importance of cities such as Mopti and Sévaré, which serve as critical logistical hubs connecting northern and southern Mali. Continued pressure on these areas could significantly weaken the government’s ability to maintain control over the north.
Controversial Battlefield Alliances
One of the most notable aspects of the latest offensive is JNIM’s public acknowledgment of coordination with Tuareg factions, particularly the Azawad Liberation Front. This marks a rare and controversial development in the dynamics of armed groups in northern Mali.
The announcement has sparked debate across political and military circles, especially given the historically unstable and often contradictory relationship between the two sides. Recent statements, however, suggest the existence of what has been described as a “strategic convergence” against the central government, despite differing visions for the region’s political future.
Shift in Rhetoric and Strategic Priorities
Although ideologically aligned with a hardline vision advocating governance based on Islamic law, JNIM’s messaging in recent years has shifted significantly toward local grievances. The group has increasingly focused on issues such as alleged human rights violations and foreign military presence in the region.
In several statements, the group has called for the isolation of Mali’s ruling authorities and urged international actors to adopt a position of neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Observers suggest this reflects a pragmatic shift aimed at expanding local influence and social support, rather than focusing exclusively on global jihadist narratives.
Expanding Regional Footprint
JNIM currently operates across a wide geographic area, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with reported activity also extending to Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. While Burkina Faso had been the main center of its operations in recent years, Mali has once again become the focal point of its activity in 2025 and 2026.
The group has also employed economic disruption tactics, including targeting trade routes and imposing fuel blockades, resulting in significant logistical disruptions across the region.
Challenges Facing the Malian State
The Malian government faces increasing difficulties in asserting control over remote and unstable regions, particularly amid overlapping conflicts involving extremist groups and separatist factions.
Experts warn that continued instability could further reshape power dynamics in northern and central Mali, with the risk of spillover into neighboring Sahel states.
Conclusion
The latest developments in Mali highlight a new phase of complexity in the Sahel’s security landscape, where local grievances, regional insurgencies, and shifting alliances are increasingly intertwined. As military operations continue and alliances evolve, the region appears poised for further escalation and prolonged instability.