Malians flee to Mauritania amid fuel blockade • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Janine (or Jnim): An al-Qaeda-linked group operating in Mali.
• Russian-backed allies (Africa Corps/Wagner): Russian state-sponsored paramilitary groups supporting the Malian army.
• Blockade: The act of cutting off supplies, specifically fuel, to cripple an economy.
• Displacement: People forced to leave their homes due to conflict.
• Extremist-held territory: Areas controlled by armed groups.
• Drone strikes and ground attacks: Military actions involving aerial and land-based assaults.

Escalation of Conflict and Blockade in Mali

The situation in Mali has sharply escalated due to an ongoing blockade imposed by the al-Qaeda-linked group Janine. This blockade has significantly disrupted the country's economy, bringing much of it to a standstill. Concurrently, fighting between non-state armed groups, the Malian army, and their Russian-backed allies is intensifying.

Impact on Communities and Refugee Flows

Communities are being cut off from essential supplies. In some towns, fighters are issuing orders for entire villages to evacuate or face being treated as the enemy. This has resulted in hundreds of families continuously arriving at the Mauritania-Mali border.

Janine's Blockade Strategy

In late September, Janine announced its decision to cut off fuel supplies to Mali. The group has established checkpoints on main roads to prevent fuel from reaching urban centers, effectively crippling the nation's economy.

Testimonies from Refugees

Refugees interviewed in villages like Le, located approximately 20 kilometers from the border, describe living under a blockade with food and supplies cut off by Janine. Some refugees report that Janine ordered entire villages to leave, giving residents only a few days to comply or face severe consequences, including death.

Violence from Malian Army and Russian Allies

Other refugees have fled attacks from the Malian army and its Russian allies, identified as Africa Corps. Accounts include reports of drone strikes and ground attacks occurring less than 30 kilometers from the border. Some individuals have witnessed their entire villages being burned and family members killed.

One refugee stated, "On one side of us were the jihadists and on the other Vagna. In the past we could hide, but now it's not possible. The girl sat next to me. Her father was taken and we've had no news since. We hate Vagna for coming into our country. For slaughtering us on our own land without having done anything to deserve it."

Refugee Arrivals and Displacement Figures

In the past two weeks alone, over 1,600 people have arrived at the border point in Mauritania. These new arrivals join more than 300,000 refugees already displaced within the region. Refugees express fear and a lack of peace, stating, "We are all scared. Our souls are not at peace because we are dying every day. We saw we were in danger of dying, so we decided to leave. We left everything we owned behind, and we can't go back to recover any of it."

Mali at a Critical Juncture

Many observers believe this is Mali's most critical moment since 2012. The ongoing fighting across the country, involving the army, its Russian allies, and insurgents, has already displaced millions. As one refugee poignantly described the situation, "Mali has become a no-go zone."

Conclusion

The current situation in Mali is characterized by a severe humanitarian crisis driven by an intensified conflict and a strategic blockade by Janine. The combined actions of armed groups, the Malian army, and their Russian allies have led to widespread displacement, economic collapse, and immense suffering for the civilian population, forcing thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries.