The United States praises the Malian army in fight the JNIM and signals for possible support
The United States has praised the Malian armed forces for their efforts against the Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin group, known locally as JNIM, amid signs that Washington may explore renewed security engagement with Bamako.
The commendation came during talks between US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, where both sides discussed common security interests in the region, Landau wrote in a post on X.
The statement follows the US State Department’s decision to withdraw non-essential staff and their families from Mali due to security concerns and to advise all American citizens in the country to depart immediately.
In recent months, Mali has faced heightened instability following intensified attacks by JNIM and its affiliates.
In early September, the group’s Massina Brigade announced a blockade on fuel imports, attacking tanker convoys attempting to reach the capital, Bamako.
The two-month blockade has disrupted economic activity and forced the temporary suspension of schools.
Despite the security challenges, analysts say US acknowledgment of Mali’s military efforts may indicate a cautious reopening of dialogue between Washington and Bamako.
Relations had cooled following Mali’s 2021 military coup and the government’s subsequent cooperation with Russian military contractors.
Diplomatic observers believe the US could consider limited, indirect assistance to support Mali’s counterterrorism operations, such as intelligence sharing or non-lethal aid, provided it aligns with US legal restrictions on military cooperation with transitional governments.
while the JNIM has operated within 50 kilometers of Bamako for months, the group currently has neither the intention nor the capability to take control of the city of about 4 million people.
The potential for renewed US engagement comes as Western nations reassess their roles in the Sahel, where extremist violence and shifting alliances continue to threaten regional stability.
