Jihadists Blockade Mali’s Capital: Bamako’s Uncertain Future
Bamako, the landlocked capital of Mali, faces a daunting crisis. A coalition of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida has besieged the city for over a month, attacking fuel convoys and straining the military junta that has governed Mali for five years.
The security situation has worsened significantly, prompting the United States to order all its citizens to leave Mali immediately. After more than a decade of civil war, the blockade raises concerns about the possible collapse of Bamako.
Targeted Attacks on Sahel Region Transport Routes
According to researchers from the Sahel Research Group at the University of Florida, attacks on transport infrastructure and convoys between urban centers in the Sahel have surged since the late 2010s. Some routes, especially the one linking Bamako to Gao—a crucial economic hub with a major military base—are frequently targeted by jihadist forces.
In addition to these attacks, urban centers such as Farabougou, Timbuktu, Kayes, and now Bamako have faced blockades. While Bamako experienced jihadist attacks in 2015 and 2024, those were isolated terrorist acts. The present siege shows a significant escalation in both the ambition and capabilities of the jihadist groups.
“Our research shows that certain transport routes in Mali are particularly targeted by jihadist groups. One is the route connecting Bamako to Gao, a strategic economic centre with a large military base.”
“The current blockade reflects much greater ambition and capacity by the jihadists.”
Implications and Outlook
The ongoing blockade puts the military government under immense pressure and threatens the stability of Mali’s capital. The situation remains tense and unpredictable amid growing violence and the jihadists’ expanding reach.
Author’s summary: The jihadist siege of Bamako intensifies Mali's security crisis, threatening critical supply lines and testing the military junta's control after years of conflict and escalating attacks.