Who Are JNIM? A Rising Jihadist Force in the Sahel
As dusk falls over a decrepit military outpost—whether set amid barren desert or on the edge of a bustling town—a scene unfolds that is all too familiar. Automatic gunfire shatters the quiet as scores of armed assailants on motorbikes surge forward, accompanied by explosions, screams, and billowing smoke. In the chaos, defenders are overwhelmed, with many fleeing or falling in battle while the attackers cry out in triumph.
Within days, an edited video of the assault emerges alongside a claim of responsibility from the Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). This Islamist extremist group has managed to seize control over a vast portion of the Sahel, a region stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and bridging the stark landscapes of the Sahara with its more temperate fringes.
A string of bombings, hijackings, attacks on military installations, and raids on major towns—especially across Mali and Burkina Faso—has largely unfolded without widespread international notice. Yet these operations represent one of the most significant military surges by any Islamic militant organization since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan back in 2021.
However, the growing strength of JNIM is not solely due to its own capabilities. The insurgents have capitalized on a landscape marred by poverty, decades of instability, sectarian strife, and entrenched violence. Recent political upheavals—marked by coups that have installed military regimes in key states—have dramatically weakened the region’s defenses. The resulting pullout of international forces, including vast UN contingents, elite French units, and hundreds of U.S. troops with advanced surveillance assets, has left a power vacuum in the Sahel.
Adding to the turmoil, Russian mercenaries once deployed by Mali’s ruling authorities have retreated after a brutal campaign that not only cost them dearly but also implicated them in civilian massacres. These events underscore how insufficient state responses have allowed extremist forces to gain ground.
Ulf Laessing, who oversees the Sahel programme for a German policy institute in Bamako, describes JNIM as a “ghost enemy” capable of emerging suddenly. By the time local security forces manage to mobilize, it is often too late to prevent retaliatory attacks on civilians—a cycle that further fuels local recruitment. In many instances, the repeated atrocities perpetrated by state militaries have pushed already vulnerable communities into the arms of JNIM, particularly those labeled as supporters of terrorism.
The decline in security is compounded by significant cuts to aid programs and a retreat by Western diplomats, non-governmental organizations, and even military personnel. Seizing on this chaos, JNIM has moved beyond purely military operations; it now also offers basic services, enforces its own system of courts and schools, and even collects taxes on road traffic. Such initiatives not only extend its control but also build a pragmatic, if draconian, governance structure that many local villagers increasingly see as their sole alternative.
Drawing inspiration from early al-Qaida strategies—and maintaining at least a nominal allegiance to radical ideological roots—JNIM has found fertile ground in sub-Saharan Africa. Local expert Aneliese Bernard explains that the group’s expansion is partly fueled by a blend of external spillover and homegrown discontent. By enlisting marginalized youth, often from specific ethnic communities, JNIM gathers crucial intelligence and forges its network from within.
Some analysts suggest that JNIM may be quietly positioning itself for a strategic transformation reminiscent of shifts seen in other conflicts, where militant groups trade endless holy war for a focus on governance. Whether or not this radical reinvention comes to pass, there is little doubt that the extremist organization currently holds the momentum in the Sahel region.
Recent developments reveal a steep decline in stability—a trend that underscores the urgent and complex challenges facing the region. Amid a landscape of deepening crisis and rapid change, the actions and ambitions of JNIM continue to pose a significant and evolving security threat.
Embracing Faith, One Insight at a Time!
The teachings of the Quran have always guided my path. With a deep passion for Islamic knowledge, I strive to blend the wisdom of tradition with the relevance of today, making the timeless messages of Islam accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Muslim Culture Hub is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both well-known and lesser-discussed aspects of Islamic culture and beliefs. My mission is to create an inclusive online space where everyone can learn, strengthen their faith, and connect with the profound message of Islam.
Join the journey!
May peace be upon you.
