Mali's Kayes region, a critical economic hub near Senegal, has been thrust into the spotlight as escalating clashes between the Malian army and armed groups disrupt the nation.
Last week's coordinated attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) targeted seven towns, including Kayes, Nioro du Sahel, and Niono.
The Malian military, supported by Russian Africa Corps paramilitaries, responded with a counterattack that reportedly killed 80 fighters.
The assault on Kayes saw three Indian nationals taken hostage from a cement factory, highlighting the growing risks to foreigners.
The hostage incident has raised fears that Mali’s crisis could spill beyond the Sahel, with India urging the "safe and expeditious" release of its citizens.
Security experts warn that the understaffed Malian army struggles to secure the vast 1.24 million square kilometers of national territory.
Recent attacks, including one in Mopti that killed 41 soldiers and another in Diallassago claiming 130 lives, underscore the persistent threat to civilians.
A military source noted, “The recent attacks are not just a problem of inattention or a lack of vigilance, they are above all linked to the poor deployment of security throughout the country,” according to Al Jazeera.
Mali’s military government, led by Assimi Goita, faces criticism for prioritizing power consolidation over security.
A recent bill granting Goita a renewable five-year term without elections has sparked concerns about democratic backsliding.
The shift from French to Russian military support, including the transition from Wagner to Africa Corps, has yet to curb the violence.
Analysts argue that Mali’s strategy lacks localized solutions, with security expert Aly Tounkara stating, “Pockets of insecurity can only be tackled through local approaches.”