Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition ride on the back of a pickup truck in Kidal, on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe. Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (Photo by AFP) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by - has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Removes byline]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.”

A la Une

Understanding the Jnim threat in Mali today

By sahel-express / April 28, 2026

Jnim in Mali: what you need to know about the armed group threatening Bamako

The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Jnim) is on the verge of seizing Mali’s capital. This Al-Qaïda-linked jihadist coalition, now the most dominant militant force in the Sahel, aims to establish an Islamic emirate across West Africa. Here’s a breakdown of its rise and ambitions.

Jnim fighters in Mali

The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Jnim) has emerged as a critical security threat in Mali, with Bamako now under direct risk. Should the capital fall, this Al-Qaïda-affiliated group would control vast swaths of Mali, further destabilizing the already fragile Sahel region.

Origins of the Jnim

Formally established on March 2, 2017, the Jnim is the result of a merger between four prominent jihadist factions operating in the Sahel. United under Al-Qaïda’s banner, the group quickly became a major force in Mali’s insurgency. Iyad Ag Ghali, its emir and a former Tuareg rebel turned diplomat, leads the organization. Since France’s withdrawal from Operation Barkhane, the Jnim has significantly expanded its influence.

Ideology and goals

The Jnim’s ideology is rooted in a strict interpretation of Islam, driving its campaign to impose an Islamic emirate across the Sahel. This vision includes enforcing Sharia law and eliminating perceived Western influences in the region.

Tactics and recent actions

In September 2025, the Jnim imposed an economic blockade around key cities, a strategic move to weaken government forces ahead of larger offensives. By late April 2026, the group had launched a coordinated assault with Tuareg rebels against Mali’s military junta. With approximately 5,000 fighters, the Jnim has already achieved significant territorial gains, bringing it perilously close to Bamako.

The group’s rapid rise underscores its determination to reshape the political and religious landscape of West Africa, posing a grave challenge to regional stability.

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