The Sahel is bracing for heightened instability as major political and geopolitical developments sweep across the region. In Mali, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) issued chilling warnings through their spokesperson, Abou Houzeifa al-Bambari, threatening to escalate attacks in Bamako.
Their latest video message signals the possibility of a blockade on the capital and targeting political and military figures if perceived injustices toward Fulah, Tuareg, and Arab communities continue.
With claims of responsibility for the September 17 attack, JNIM has ramped up the pressure on both civilians and the Malian government, hinting at future operations involving hundreds of fighters.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions flared between Chad and the U.S. after contradictory reports emerged regarding the presence of U.S. forces in the country.
As Washington and N’Djamena exchanged statements, this spat highlights the delicate balance of power in the Sahel, where foreign military presence and growing Russian influence continue to complicate the security landscape.
In Burkina Faso, the junta under Captain Ibrahim Traoré intensified its crackdown, targeting the family of former General Djibril Bassolé, signaling a new chapter of political repression.
These actions have deepened internal divisions, with the potential for unrest looming large.
Finally, the U.S. troop withdrawal from Niger, following the July 2023 coup, has raised alarm bells.
As counterterrorism efforts hang in the balance, experts warn that Niger’s ability to combat rising threats from groups like JNIM and EIGS is severely compromised.
With Russian trainers and Wagner Group forces stepping in, the Sahel’s security dynamics face an uncertain future, leaving a vacuum that could fuel further violence.
@ZagazolaMakama
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