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Militants block key routes into Bamako after minister's assassination
Residents of Mali's capital face severe restrictions on movement as Islamist fighters enforce a partial blockade following the killing of Defense Minister Sadio Camara. The group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) declared that no one would be permitted entry into Bamako, leaving thousands stranded on major highways.
Stranded residents describe growing desperation
A mother of two, unable to return to Bamako after visiting family outside the city, told the BBC, "Our army isn't capable of protecting us. How are we going to get back home?" She and dozens of others have been stuck on the Bamako-Kéniéba highway for nearly 24 hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that militants have intermittently sealed at least three of the six primary access routes into the city, allowing only brief windows for vehicles to pass. Last year, JNIM imposed a fuel blockade that triggered shortages and price surges, heightening fears among residents.
Nationwide attacks precede blockade
The blockade follows a series of coordinated assaults by an alliance of jihadist factions and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which aims to overthrow the military regime led by Gen. Assimi Goïta. Goïta seized power in a 2020 coup.
Defense Minister Camara was killed in a suspected suicide truck bombing at his residence near Bamako last weekend. His funeral on Thursday drew thousands, including Goïta, under heavy security, according to AFP.
Russian forces retreat as rebels advance
Mali's military has partnered with the Russian paramilitary group Africa Corps-formerly Wagner Group-to combat insurgents. However, Russian forces were forced to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, now under FLA control. The rebels have vowed to march on additional northern cities and demanded the complete withdrawal of Africa Corps from Mali.
A Kremlin spokesperson stated Thursday that Russian forces would remain in Mali "to combat extremism, terrorism, and other harmful phenomena" while continuing to support the current government.
Blockade extends to nearby Ségou
A full blockade has been imposed on Ségou, a town less than 80 km (50 miles) from Bamako, trapping hundreds of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and cars. Passengers, including families and traders, have been stranded for days without access to food or water, a local reporter said.
Following an emergency security council meeting, Goïta pledged decisive action against the insurgents and claimed security forces had inflicted "heavy losses" on the rebels, according to state media.
Analysts question regime's ability to restore stability
Alain Antil, director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre at the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), told the BBC that the recent developments "demonstrate the regime's weakness and inability to secure the country."
In 2013, a similar alliance of jihadists and Tuareg separatists advanced on Bamako before French and African forces intervened to protect the capital. While the insurgents were pushed back, attacks persisted, and instability endured. After expelling French forces, Goïta turned to Russia for support, but the security situation has continued to deteriorate.
Foreign governments urge citizens to leave
Several countries, including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have advised their nationals to leave Mali, while the U.S. has recommended citizens remain at home. Despite the warnings, some foreign residents remain committed to staying.
"I won't leave. I love Mali. It has become a part of me since I came here in 2002. We'll stay with my family. We know things will be OK."
A French resident in Bamako
