In a dramatic escalation of Mali’s ongoing security crisis, the country’s military has launched a series of airstrikes in the gold-rich western region of Kayes, targeting militants linked to al-Qaeda who have imposed a sweeping blockade on fuel imports to the capital, Bamako. The operations mark the latest attempt by Mali’s transitional military rulers—who seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021—to counter the growing threat posed by the group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
The crisis erupted last week when JNIM publicly announced a blockade, restricting not only the movement of crucial fuel supplies but also the mobility of residents in strategic border towns such as Kayes and Nioro. These towns, nestled near the frontiers with Senegal and Mauritania, are vital arteries for trade and transport in the region. According to Reuters, a spokesperson for JNIM stated that the blockade would disrupt daily life and commerce in these areas, a move clearly designed to pressure the central government.
Since the announcement, the impact has been swift and severe. Militants have intercepted and emptied fuel trucks, further tightening the stranglehold around Bamako. Residents and business owners in Kayes and Nioro have reported mounting anxiety as their access to essential goods dwindles. "JNIM is applying increased pressure in this region to weaken the government in Bamako but also to asphyxiate the capital," explained Djenabou Cisse, a research fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research, in comments to Reuters.
The blockade’s effects have rippled outward, hitting Mali’s vital business sector. Since May, jihadists have escalated attacks on both Malian and foreign-owned businesses operating in Kayes, including cement factories, sugar plants, and the lucrative gold mines run by multinational giants like Barrick and B2Gold. These attacks have not only disrupted local economies but have also sent shockwaves through the international investment community, which has long regarded Mali’s mining sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic hopes.
Transport companies, facing mounting risks, have responded by suspending operations along key routes. A Malian truckers’ union official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed that roads between Bamako and Senegal’s capital, Dakar, as well as the southern city of Segou, have been blocked. The official cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the halt, echoing the growing sense of insecurity among those who depend on these routes for their livelihoods.
The blockade has also led to a spate of kidnappings and hostage situations. On Friday, six truck drivers from neighboring Senegal were abducted by what a Senegalese truckers’ union described as "a jihadist group." Fortunately, the drivers were released the following day, according to Daouda Lo, the union’s spokesperson. However, the incident underscores the dangerous environment facing anyone attempting to traverse the region’s embattled roads.
In response, the Malian military has taken decisive action. On September 9, 2025, airstrikes were launched in Kayes, with additional operations reported in the towns of Diema and Nioro. According to statements from the army and corroborated by Devdiscourse, these operations included the rescue of hostages held by militants. A colonel stationed in Nioro detailed the efforts on state television, emphasizing the military’s commitment to restoring order and freeing those trapped by the insurgents.
Analysts see JNIM’s tactics as part of a broader strategy to encircle urban centers and destabilize the transitional government by severing supply lines and fomenting civilian unrest. "The objective ... is to push the civilian population into the streets, to demonstrate their discontent with the transitional authorities, and to weaken, or at least discredit, the transitional authorities," a Malian security analyst in Bamako told Reuters, requesting anonymity due to concerns over personal safety.
The timing of the blockade and the subsequent military response is significant. Mali’s transitional government, already under pressure from a restive population and an economy battered by years of conflict, now faces the added challenge of maintaining control over vital infrastructure and resources. The gold mines of Kayes, in particular, represent a critical source of revenue for the state, and any disruption there has far-reaching consequences for Mali’s fiscal stability.
International observers have expressed concern that the current standoff could escalate further, with potential spillover effects into neighboring countries. The disruption of trade routes to Senegal and Mauritania not only hampers Mali’s access to essential goods but also threatens regional stability in West Africa. For now, the situation remains fluid, with both sides digging in for what could become a protracted contest for control over the country’s economic lifelines.
For ordinary Malians, the blockade has meant soaring fuel prices, shortages of basic commodities, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. Businesses are shuttered, truckers are stranded, and families are increasingly worried about how they will make ends meet. "We just want to be able to work and live in peace," one truck driver told Reuters, echoing the sentiments of many caught in the crossfire.
JNIM’s ability to swiftly implement the blockade and disrupt major economic activities is a stark reminder of the group’s growing strength and adaptability. The militants’ campaign is not just about military confrontation; it’s also a battle for hearts and minds, as they seek to exploit public frustration and undermine faith in the transitional authorities.
Meanwhile, the military’s airstrikes and rescue operations demonstrate a willingness to use force to reassert control, but the long-term effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain. As analysts have noted, restoring security will require more than just military might—it will demand political solutions, economic investment, and renewed efforts to address the underlying grievances fueling the insurgency.
As Mali stands at this crossroads, the world watches closely. The outcome of this latest confrontation could shape the country’s trajectory for years to come, influencing not only the fate of the transitional government but also the stability of the wider Sahel region. For now, the people of Kayes, Bamako, and beyond can only hope that relief is on the horizon—and that peace, however elusive, is not beyond reach.
