Mali: Crisis Deepens

The situation in Mali is rapidly deteriorating with a well-armed jihadist group, JNIM, gaining significant control, particularly around Bamako. Fuel shortages, exacerbated by militant attacks on supply routes and fuel blockades, are crippling the capital. The Malian military junta, supported by Russian mercenaries, is struggling to counter the group’s advances, which include seizing weaponry and employing tactics like economic warfare. Due to the escalating instability, international actors are urging nationals to evacuate, while JNIM is diversifying its tactics, integrating into local communities and exploiting regional illicit economies. The group’s strategy appears to be focused on systematically weakening the junta and disrupting supplies, potentially leading to a prolonged crisis and the possibility of Mali becoming the first country ruled by al Qaeda.