'A common enemy, but not a common project': A fragile jihadist-separatist alliance in Mali
Summary
Mali is experiencing serious violence as jihadist fighters linked to al Qaeda and Tuareg separatists attack towns and block the capital, Bamako. These two groups work together against the military government but have very different goals, making their partnership unstable.Key Facts
- Jihadist group JNIM called for a nationwide uprising against Mali’s military government.
- JNIM and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coordinated attacks across Mali, including near the capital.
- These attacks are the most serious security crisis in Mali since 2012.
- The FLA wants independence or autonomy for the Tuareg people in northern Mali.
- JNIM aims to establish strict Islamic law across Mali and the Sahel region.
- The two groups cooperate because they share a common enemy, but their overall goals differ greatly.
- Recent fighting led to the death of Mali’s defence minister Sadio Camara, an important supporter of closer ties with Russia.
- The military junta, led by Assimi Goïta, is under increased pressure despite backing from Russia.
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