The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has issued a statement through its media outlet “Al-Zallaqa,” calling for “the establishment of a new legitimate government in Mali that rules by the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace be upon him).” The group urged “all segments, tribes, and ethnicities of the region to stand united in confronting the aggressors.”
The statement came following the announcement of the withdrawal of Russia’s Wagner Group from Mali after more than three years of military presence.
JNIM hailed the withdrawal as a “major victory,” claiming it had achieved military gains in various areas including Bandiagara, Ganfato, Sévaré, the outskirts of Djabali, Nampala, Mourga in the Macina region, Hombori, Douentza, Gossi, the surroundings of Boni in the Arbinda zone, as well as Tin-Taghat, Tekankent, and Amasrakadane in the Kidal region.
Led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, the group warned against the continued Russian military presence, labeling it an “occupation.” It stated that “Russia’s continued massacres of innocent civilians will only increase the hatred of Sahelian populations toward them, surpassing even their resentment of Western powers and their allies.”
The statement further warned the Russians about “the dangers of their military choices in the Sahel,” accusing them of “recklessness and ideological arrogance,” and referencing the Soviet quagmire in Afghanistan in the 1970s as a cautionary tale.
Meanwhile, the newly established “African Corps,” which has replaced Wagner, confirmed it would continue operations in Mali, stating that the group’s withdrawal “will not change anything” and that Russia “is not retreating, but rather enhancing its support to Bamako in a more substantial way.”
This comes amid a surge in armed attacks in Mali, particularly in the north and center of the country, where clashes between the Malian army and Islamist militants are intensifying, raising serious concerns over worsening security and humanitarian conditions across the Sahel.
