🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪 - The unprecedented collapse of the security situation in the Sahelian nations - Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM is on the brink of establishing an empire, the group controls more territory in the Sahel than the Malian and Burkina militaries combined.

Following the catastrophic failures of the Malian and Burkinabe militaries, backed by the Russian Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group), Bamako and Ouagadougou are now on the verge of an incredible collapse to JNIM.

Mali has yet to regain border access to Algeria, all operations failed horribly, leaving scores of dead Russian operatives. Bamako is now on the brink of losing its Mauritania border too. The most startling situation is Mali and Burkina Faso have just ONE remaining access point to Niger – via Kantchari, Burkina Faso, to Niamey, Niger.

Meanwhile, the situation in neighboring Niger deteriorates rapidly too. JNIM have expanded into the north and southwest of Niger, with Islamic State affiliate Lakurawa increasing control in the south of the country, operating out of northern Nigeria. For the first time the Tuareg separatists, Azawad Liberation Front, AFL, have begun active operations in Niger. Meanwhile in the southeast of Niger, Boko Haram's second largest zone of operation has become Niger, overtaking Chad.

Rerum Novarum's maps show the current situation in the Sahel compared to July of 2024, just 16 months ago.

Note:
- The maps do not show JNIM's area of operations in Mauritania.
- The maps do not show Boko Haram's area of operations in Nigeria and Chad.
- The full extent of Islamic State and affiliated groups in Nigeria are not shown.
- The full extent of JNIM's operation in other neighbouring countries are not shown.
- Toubou Tribal Army positions in the northeast Niger are not shown.