Security situation worsens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as jihadists advance

The security situation in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has deteriorated significantly as of September 2025. This decline follows years of instability exacerbated by a series of military coups in these countries.

In Mali, the capital city of Bamako is currently experiencing a de-facto fuel blockade imposed by the jihadist group JNIM. This situation has escalated as jihadists have begun capturing key military bases, including Farabougou.

In Burkina Faso, the ruling junta reportedly controls less than 50% of the country. JNIM and IS forces are advancing on the capital, Ouagadougou, from multiple directions, including the west, north, and east.

In Niger, both IS and JNIM have intensified their operations, leading to more frequent mass attacks that result in the deaths of dozens of Nigerien soldiers.

The worsening security conditions in these Sahel states highlight a growing crisis in the region, which has been marked by ongoing violence and instability.