Mali: Bamako blockade remains despite lull in fighting

Although Mali’s internal strife has escalated since Islamist and separatist attacks began on April 25th, there has reportedly been a lull in fighting; however, Bamako remains under jihadist blockade, according to RFI and agencies on May 4th.

On April 25th, militants from the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Tuareg separatist-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) launched attacks across Bamako and garrison towns, including Kati, Sévaré, Gao, and Kidal.

Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed at his residence in Kati on April 25th, while the FLA reportedly recaptured the northern Kidal region on the same day.

Kidal is a Tuareg stronghold in northern Mali that Mali’s junta regained control of in November 2023; the FLA have vowed to continue fighting against Russian mercenaries in the region.

The FLA and JNIM have controlled Tessalit since May 1st; the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and Russian auxiliaries have deserted the camp.

On April 28th, JNIM announced a blockade of Bamako, cutting off roads connecting the capital to the rest of the country.

Bamako residents reported being unable to use roads leading to Kayes, Ségou, and Sikasso, although alternate routes exist; no fuel shortages have been reported, and prices have not skyrocketed.

JNIM is behind the fuel blockade Mali has experienced since September 2025; militants exploited Mali’s landlocked status and reliance on fuel imports to block key supply routes and attack tanker drivers.

Following attacks by armed groups in Timbuktu’s Gourma Rharous region, FAMA conducted airstrikes between May 2nd and 3rd.

Additionally, the Russian Africa Corps claim to have neutralised jihadists in the Ségou, Mopti and Nara regions; these claims could not be verified.

Despite an apparent lull in fighting, there have been reports of lynchings occurring between April 25th and May 3rd, which targeted those with suspected Islamist ties.

Members of the Fulani community are reportedly among the victims; the community faces persecution throughout the Sahel over alleged ties to Islamist groups, particularly in Burkina Faso.

While the perpetrators of these lynchings remain unclear, FAMA and Russian auxiliaries have faced repeated allegations of involvement in human rights abuses, including executions.

In February, the CD-DAP’s annual report found that 553 people were killed in northern and central Mali throughout 2025; FAMA and Russian mercenaries were implicated in 374 incidents.

Maghrebi has contacted the Prime Minister’s Office for comment regarding reports of lynchings, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org