Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition ride on the back of a pickup truck in Kidal, on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe. Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (Photo by AFP) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by - has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Removes byline]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.”

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Understanding Jnim: the Al-Qaeda affiliate threatening Mali’s capital

By nigerreport / April 28, 2026

The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Jnim) is now positioned on the outskirts of Bamako. Should the capital fall, this terrorist organization—already the most dominant jihadist entity in the Sahel—would effectively control a significant portion of Mali. As an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, Jnim is spearheading the current uprising, successfully pushing back state military forces and Russian private contractors.

Jnim was formally created on March 2, 2017, through the merger of four distinct militant groups previously active in the area. Under the Al-Qaeda umbrella, the group has established a reign of fear throughout the region. It is led by Iyad Ag Ghali, a former Touareg rebel and diplomat who now acts as the group’s emir. Since the withdrawal of French troops from Operation Barkhane, Jnim’s operational capacity has grown substantially, impacting regional stability and Niger security concerns.

Establishing an Islamic emirate in the Sahel

The group follows a strict and rigorist interpretation of Islam. Their ultimate goal is the foundation of an Islamic emirate within the Sahel, a development closely monitored by those following Niger politics and West Africa Niger developments. This shift in power is a frequent topic in Niger news English circles due to its cross-border implications.

In September 2025, Jnim began using economic blockades against specific towns to pave the way for major military confrontations. Recently, in late April, the group initiated a massive, coordinated strike against the ruling military junta in Mali, working in tandem with Touareg insurgents. Boasting an army of approximately 5,000 fighters, Jnim has achieved several key territorial gains and is now posing a direct threat to Bamako. For those seeking the latest Niamey news today or a broader Niger Report, the situation in neighboring Mali remains a critical factor in regional safety.

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