Mali: Jihadists from JNIM Announce Blockade of Bamako

The security situation in Mali has deteriorated further with the announcement by the jihadist group JNIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) of a blockade on Bamako. This threat comes just days after coordinated attacks by JNIM and the Tuareg rebellion's Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) against strategic positions held by the ruling junta. The escalating violence plunges the nation deeper into instability.

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À partir d’aujourd’hui, un blocus est imposé à Bamako sur tous les axes.

JNIM spokesperson Bina Diarra declared in a video that "From today, a blockade is imposed on Bamako on all axes." He stated that only those already within Bamako would be allowed to leave, while entry would be forbidden until further notice. Diarra ominously warned that "No one will be spared" and that anyone violating the blockade would face consequences, regardless of whether they are individuals or vehicles.

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La seule mesure de tolérance est accordée à ceux qui se trouvent déjà à Bamako pour leur permettre de repartir. En revanche, il est désormais interdit de s'y rendre jusqu'à nouvel ordre.

While the effectiveness of the blockade was unconfirmed at the time of reporting, the threat itself underscores the growing influence and audacity of extremist groups in Mali. This follows a pattern of economic pressure, as JNIM had already maintained a months-long blockade on fuel supplies to Bamako and other cities, severely impacting the nation's economy. The reappearance of junta leader Assimi Goïta, who visited wounded soldiers after the recent attacks, highlights the government's precarious position amidst this escalating crisis.

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Toute personne qui enfreindra ce blocus en prenant la route vers Bamako ou Kati en assumera les conséquences. Qu'il s'agisse de personnes ou de véhicules. Personne ne sera épargné.