Mali in crisis: Jihadist fighters and Tuareg separatists threaten Bamako

Mali in crisis: Jihadist fighters and Tuareg separatists threaten Bamako Africa

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12:01

Issued on: 02/05/2026 - 20:44

12:01 min Share From the show Reading time 1 min

As Mali’s military struggles to maintain control amid a growing jihadist insurgency, a number of its own soldiers have been arrested, accused of collaborating with Al-Qaeda-linked militants in coordinating widespread attacks. Islamist group JNIM, alongside separatist rebels, has reportedly seized two northern cities, killed the defence minister, and is now attempting to impose a blockade on the capital, Bamako. We take a closer look at what’s happening on the ground, the escalating security crisis, and the role of Russian mercenaries in supporting the government. France 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Beverley Ochieng, a specialist in West Africa and political risk analyst at Control Risks, to discuss.

Produced by Gavin Lee, Andrew Hilliar, Maya Yataghene and Guillaume Gougeon

By: Gavin LEE Maya YATAGHENE Andrew HILLIAR Guillaume GOUGEON Video by: Andrew HILLIAR Gavin LEE Guillaume GOUGEON Advertising Related keywords

• Mali
• Africa