Addressing the diplomatic corps in Bamako, the Foreign Minister of Mali, Abdoulaye Diop, firmly dismissed calls from a segment of the local political class for dialogue with jihadist groups. These groups currently control parts of the nation. Minister Diop unequivocally stated, “I must clarify that the government does not foresee any dialogue with the armed terrorist groups, who are without faith or law, and bear responsibility for the tragic events our populations have endured for years.”

This declaration underscores the government’s current resolve to prioritize direct military confrontation. In line with this strategy, Mali has reportedly acquired additional military hardware from Russia, as confirmed by our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel.

In the northern regions, a primary objective for Malian authorities is to reclaim Kidal, a city currently under the control of armed factions. This strategic imperative likely explains why Russian mercenaries and the Malian army, following their withdrawal from two other locations in the Kidal area, have now established and strengthened their presence in Aguelok, another key town within the same region.

Further south, efforts are concentrated on clearing critical transportation routes that have been obstructed by jihadist groups, creating new blockades. As of this Saturday, hundreds of vehicles, passengers, and essential goods remained stranded across various parts of the country due to these impediments.

Blockades inflict severe hardship on local populations

In the central part of Mali, specifically in Diafarabé, located within the Mopti region, the humanitarian situation has reached a critical point. The town has been under a continuous blockade by the Jnim since May 12, 2025, marking nearly a year of isolation.

Despite a desperate plea for assistance launched last Saturday by residents of Diafarabé through a widely circulated video on social media, authorities have yet to respond effectively, according to locals interviewed. The scarcity of food and essential supplies has become dire, with residents facing extreme hunger, a severe lack of medication, and insufficient medical care. Trapped between fear, acute shortages, and profound isolation, the population expresses deep despair. An inhabitant, speaking by phone, shared their harrowing experience:

“No one can enter, and no one can leave; the blockade is absolute. All our provisions here are gone. Famine is setting in. We spoke with the military detachment leaders, who promised to send us food via an upcoming convoy, but we are still waiting. This conversation happened after a protest by the youth and women. Now, it’s truly despair! There’s nothing left! Before, during the flood season, we managed to bring in some supplies by river, little by little, despite all the risks. I myself was shot during one of those attempts and fractured my arm. I’m much better now, but here, it’s all about sheer survival. Our only wish is to have food. That’s all we want for now.”