Reports from the African country of Mali indicate that Al-Qaeda-linked fighters, advancing in the northern and central regions of the country, have approached the capital, Bamako. It is said that these groups have managed to force government forces, supported by Russian militias, to retreat.
The Wall Street Journal reported that if these fighters were to capture Bamako, it could lead to the formation of the first jihadist government structure in Africa. This prospect has sparked widespread concerns both regionally and internationally.
According to the report, the group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a branch of Al-Qaeda, has taken control of vast areas in northern and central Mali in recent weeks, making key routes leading to the capital insecure.
The group announced on Tuesday that it had besieged Bamako. A local commander of the group, in a message on social media, stated that all routes leading to the city are under their control, and the situation in the capital has become severely restricted.
In recent days, attacks on the outskirts of Bamako, particularly around the airport and military centers, have increased. At the same time, reports of rising security threats within the city have emerged, with some educational institutions and urban routes temporarily closed.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that jihadist fighters attacked Bamako’s airport and seized some military equipment. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of the killing of a senior military official on the outskirts of the city.
Russian militias affiliated with the Wagner Group arrived in Mali in 2022 to support the government in its fight against insurgents, but according to reports, they have had limited success in containing these groups.
The newspaper wrote that government forces now have fragile control over the capital, with significant portions of the country lost. In contrast, Al-Qaeda-linked groups have been able to resist government and foreign allies’ operations and expand their influence.
These developments come as Russia’s involvement with Russian militias is part of Moscow’s broader effort to expand its influence in Africa and the Middle East. In exchange for providing security support, Russia has sought access to these countries’ mineral resources.
However, reports indicate that Russia’s influence in some regions, including Libya and Syria, has faced challenges, and recent developments in Mali could affect the country’s future presence in Africa.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that some Russian forces have withdrawn from strategic areas in northern Mali, and their military equipment has fallen into the hands of rebel groups. This situation has added to the security complexities in the country and left its future uncertain.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
