Black flagOver the past few months, the Sahelian branch of the Islamic State has taken over several surrounding subdivisions, or circles, as they are referred to in Mali, including Talataye, Inekar, and Anderamboukane, to name a few. The jihadist group is threatening to plant its black flag in the largest city in northeastern Mali, already trying to cope with the influx of several thousand refugees fleeing their advances in the region. The Malian Armed Forces (Fama) and mercenaries from Wagner, the private Russian military company, have small detachments in Ménaka and Ansongo, more than 220km away. So far, they have remained confined to their camps and have not launched any response. READ MORE Mali: When Wagner becomes a favourite target of JNIM jihadistsIn his quarterly report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the security situation in the Ménaka region.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 14, 2023 10:28 UTC