At the southeastern edge of Mauritania, the border with Mali dissolves into a long stretch of sand, punctuated by thorny acacias. The demarcation on a map holds little meaning for those crossing it. Since the end of October, at least 7,500 Malians have fled on foot to Mauritania, escaping a growing jihadist insurgency and a government unable to guarantee their safety.
These new arrivals join over 300,000 other Malians who have sought refuge in Mauritania’s Hodh Chargui region over the past decade, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
The experiences of those displaced reveal a Mali struggling with economic collapse, allegations of military abuses, and a relentless insurgency. The powerful Al Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), once confined to the north and central regions, is now extending its reach southward.
Since September, JNIM has targeted hundreds of fuel tankers traveling to the capital, Bamako, causing severe shortages. While military escorts have partially mitigated the blockade’s impact on Bamako, fuel supplies remain precarious elsewhere in the country.
Mauritanian Red Crescent volunteers are currently registering exhausted families near the border. Mohammed Ali, a coordinator with the Red Crescent, describes the influx of refugees as a sign of a deepening crisis. “The security situation [in Mali] is worsening,” he stated simply.
Nothing In, Nothing Out
Most of those arriving in Hodh Chargui are fleeing Léré, a town in Mali’s Timbuktu region. When JNIM seized Léré last year, they followed a familiar pattern, announcing their intention to “block” the town due to its perceived cooperation with the Malian army and issuing ultimatums to residents.
“They told us we had 24 hours to get out,” recounts a former resident, speaking from the Mauritanian desert. “After that, no one would be allowed to leave.” All refugees interviewed for this story have been anonymized for their safety.
JNIM emerged following the 2012 rebellion by Tuareg rebels and a subsequent military coup, which destabilized Mali and created an opening for insurgents. The group consolidated its power by exploiting local grievances and filling the void left by the weakened state.
Today, these blockades are a common tactic. JNIM fighters cut off roads leading to towns, preventing the delivery of essential goods like food and fuel. Prices surge, and residents face starvation. Leaving becomes nearly impossible, while remaining is life-threatening. “People from our neighborhood were executed the day after we fled,” one man explained.
When Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries patrol the area, JNIM fighters retreat into the surrounding countryside, only to return when the security forces depart – a cycle that has left deep scars on communities across the country.
“We Don’t See Mali Anymore”
However, many Malians report fearing their own government as much as the insurgents. The current military government seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, promising to defeat JNIM and restore security. They expelled French and United Nations forces previously involved in countering the insurgency, replacing them with hundreds of soldiers from Russia’s Wagner Group and its successor, the Africa Corps.
These forces have not been able to quell the insurgency; in fact, JNIM attacks on civilians have increased. Malian and Russian forces have also been accused of executing civilians and displacing entire communities.
When asked why they fled, three herders sheltering near the Mauritanian border responded in unison: “Wagner.” One recounted hearing drones overhead, stating, “If they see you, they kill you. They killed my brother.”
A young woman from the Ségou region explained that, for her, the Russian mercenaries pose a greater threat than the jihadists. While the insurgents impose strict rules, including taxes and restrictions on dress and music, their actions are predictable.
“If you respect their conditions, you have no problem,” she said. Mercenaries, however, are accused of indiscriminate violence, often accusing civilians of supporting the jihadists simply because they live in areas outside government control. “The Russians kill without warning,” she added.
Two women from the Goundam area in Timbuktu fled their homes six months ago after witnessing Russian soldiers execute their husbands.
“The truth is that we don’t see Mali anymore,” one of them said. “Mali is chasing its own citizens away.”
Paying the Price
Hundreds of miles away, Bamako is slowly recovering from the fuel blockade, but long lines at petrol stations, empty shelves, and rising prices highlight the government’s vulnerability.
Analysts suggest a takeover of Bamako remains unlikely, as JNIM lacks the capacity to govern a major city. However, without a strong state to counter them, the jihadists could sustain blockades and insecurity indefinitely.
A village chief from central Mali, waiting for displaced members of his community, believes the military authorities are prolonging the conflict by refusing to negotiate. “Everyone wants peace except the man in power,” he said, referring to Malian president Assimi Goïta.
He added that, as long as the fighting continues, “civilians pay the price.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JNIM?
JNIM, or Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, is a powerful Al Qaeda-linked insurgency operating in Mali and the broader Sahel region. It emerged from the turmoil following the 2012 rebellion and military coup in Mali.
Where are most of the refugees fleeing from?
Most of the refugees currently crossing into Mauritania are fleeing Léré, a midsize town in the Timbuktu region of central Mali, after it was seized by JNIM fighters.
What role are Russian mercenaries playing in the conflict?
The Malian government has hired soldiers from Russia’s Wagner Group and its successor, the Africa Corps, to assist in combating the insurgency. However, these forces have been accused of executing civilians and displacing communities, and have not been able to quell the attacks by JNIM.
As the situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, what impact will this have on the wider region and the growing number of displaced people?
Keep reading