………in Mali, unleashes attacks on Bukina Faso
The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) armed group has taken control of the Kayes barracks in Mali.
This development comes amid escalating tension and violence in the region. The JNIM, a prominent militant group in the Sahel, has been responsible for several attacks on military and civilian targets in recent years.
In a bid to address the escalating violence and instability in Mali, the High Islamic Council, led by Cherif Ousmane Madani Haidara and Gen. Yamoussa Camara, called for dialogue with all armed groups in the country.
The move came justas the military and civilian populations grow increasingly dissatisfied with the current situation, with extremist groups like JNIM expanding their control in southern Mali.
The council’s initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but the challenges ahead are significant.
JNIM’s involvement in the illicit logging economy has contributed to deforestation and instability in the region, adding complexity to the situation. The success of the dialogue remains uncertain, but the High Islamic Council’s effort marks a crucial step towards addressing Mali’s growing instability.
Meanwhile, another crisis unfolding in Mali as Major General Oumar Diarra, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, has submitted his resignation to Transitional President Col. Assimi Goita.
The reason for his resignation is unclear, and it is uncertain whether it has been accepted. This development comes amid rising tension within the military junta, particularly between Goita and Camara, as well as between Diarra and Col. Sadio Camara and Col. Modibo Kone.
The attack on the Malian army base near Mauritania was a significant spoils. This attack is part of JNIM’s campaign to degrade Malian lines of communication and isolate district capitals.
The group has increased its attacks around Nara since 2022 and may be setting conditions to besiege the town.
JNIM has also increased its attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali, seizing vehicles and other significant spoils. In Niger, military rulers have pleaded for a temporary ceasefire.
