US Considers Military Operation in Mali Against Jihadists
The Trump administration is weighing a military operation in Mali against the JNIM jihadist group, linked to Al-Qaeda, according to the Washington Post. Officials are divided, and the Pentagon declined to comment.
Internal Disagreements in Washington
According to the Washington Post, the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a military operation in Mali against the jihadist group Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Senior US officials are divided on whether to launch military action against JNIM. One of the main proponents of using force is Sebastian Gorka, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
Pentagon Silence and White House Calls
The Pentagon declined to comment. In response to the Post's inquiry, the White House stated that the US urges governments in North and West Africa to "purchase American equipment and services to support their military efforts against terrorists." The White House described terrorism in the Sahel as a "multinational problem." "We call on regional partners and NATO allies to support the Sahel States Alliance in its war against JNIM and the Islamic State," a White House spokesperson added.
The Sahel Alliance and Break with the West
The Sahel States Alliance includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In recent years, military leaders in these West African countries have overthrown democratically elected governments through coups, largely severing ties with the West and turning to Russia for security assistance, the Post notes.
Russia's Role and Accusations
A Trump administration official blamed Moscow for the unstable situation in the region, stating that Russia has "proven its ineffectiveness as a security partner for Mali." "We hope that other African countries will take note of Russia's horrific results in the fight against terrorism," the official said.
The armed conflict between Malian authorities and extremist and separatist groups began in 2012. Since then, the country has been in crisis, particularly regarding security and socio-economic development. Russian mercenaries have been present in Mali since 2021. In 2020, the military, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, seized power, breaking traditional ties with France and moving closer to Russia by inviting Wagner Group mercenaries. After the death of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner group was replaced by the African Corps, which is now more closely linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Russian mercenaries and soldiers in Mali have been repeatedly accused of killing civilians.
