'How are we going to get back home?' Islamist group tightens blockade on Mali capital

Mali’s capital, Bamako, home to over three million people, is facing a partial blockade imposed by Islamist militant groups following the assassination of the country’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara. The blockade, enforced by Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and other insurgents, has closed at least three of the six main routes into the city, stranding hundreds of vehicles and residents on key highways. This move comes after a previous fuel blockade last year and marks a significant escalation, raising concerns about access to essential supplies and the safety of civilians. The recent attacks, coordinated nationwide by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), aim to overthrow the military regime led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a 2020 coup. The Defence Minister was killed in a suicide truck bombing near Bamako, an event that has heightened tensions and insecurity in the region. The FLA now controls the northern city of Kidal after forcing the withdrawal of Russian paramilitary forces linked to the Wagner Group, known locally as the Africa Corps. The FLA has threatened to advance on other northern cities and demands the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Mali. Mali’s military, supported by the Africa Corps, has been engaged in a decade-long battle against Islamist insurgents, but the recent offensive and blockade have exposed vulnerabilities in the government’s control and security apparatus. The Kremlin has committed to maintaining its military presence in Mali, citing the need to combat extremism and terrorism. However, the ongoing conflict and blockade are causing severe disruptions, with residents and transporters expressing fear and uncertainty about their safety and the future. The blockade on Ségou, a town near Bamako, has left hundreds of vehicles stranded, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. The tightening of control by Islamist groups threatens to deepen instability in Mali, complicate efforts to restore order, and further isolate the capital. The unfolding crisis underscores the fragility of Mali’s security environment and the challenges facing its military leadership amid persistent insurgency and political turmoil.