country on the verge of chaos?

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This is the latest coup carried out by jihadists in Mali. Four days ago, they filmed themselves on the streets of Loulouni, a small town in the south of the country located on a strategic axis. The jihadists have seized the city by force of arms and staged a parade. The France Télévisions team can find this video on service stations. After the attack, the terrorists apparently withdrew voluntarily and without incident. At least that’s what they claim in this propaganda video.

Are jihadist groups in Mali changing the country? According to Les Révélateurs, 90% of terrorist attacks since the beginning of the year were carried out by JNIM, a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. With nearly 2,100 deaths since the start of this year, the death toll from JNIM attacks is already a record. A large number of such attacks are now concentrated in the south and west of the country, a previously relatively untouched region.

This is the result of the strategy decided by JNIM. In a September 3 propaganda video, the movement’s spokesperson announced a ban on fuel imports to Mali. Concretely, all the main roads from neighboring countries to Bamako were attacked, dozens of tankers were burned. And if not, it’s because the jihadists are taking advantage of themselves directly. The France Télévisions team counted around twenty attacks from the beginning of July to 7 November. Bamako experienced shortness of breath and the country was paralyzed for several weeks. Public transportation is also a target for JNIM. Buses are frequently checked and jihadists force all women to wear the veil. They enforce Sharia law.

But what is JNIM’s goal through this blockade? Is the terrorist group capable of capturing the capital Bamako? “The goal is to overthrow power and achieve a kind of ‘Islamic government’. Islamic government means a coalition with other powers. An Islamic government cannot stand alone, either politically or militarily.”said Wassim Nasr, a journalist at France 24, a specialist in jihadist movements.

JNIM is a well-known group among the French military. Led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, public enemy number one of the French army while in Mali. Journalist Olivier Dubois was held hostage by JNIM for 711 days. There is deep respect from the members for their leader. There is clear military command between Iyad Ag Ghaly and the local command. They work for God, they don’t work for quick wins.

To destabilize Mali’s power, JNIM has also stepped up attacks on mines or factories owned by foreign investors. Since last May, there have been at least 14 attacks, often resulting in hostage taking. Since the start of this year, at least 22 foreigners have been kidnapped. One of the hostages, from the ruling family of the Emirates, was released on a ransom of $50 million.