The Rising Threat of JNIM: Africa's Newest Militant Challenge

The militia group JNIM has emerged as a deadly force in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Formed from a coalition of jihadist factions in 2017, JNIM is driven by the intent to impose strict Sharia law, leading to increased violence and instability in the region. Despite military efforts to counteract them, JNIM continues to expand its influence, raising concerns for civilians and national governments alike.

The Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda, has rapidly established itself as one of the most lethal jihadist entities across West Africa, particularly disturbing the stability in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. On July 1, JNIM launched a concerted assault on seven military sites in western Mali, highlighting its bold operational capacity and raising alarms about the ongoing jihadist crisis.

The troubling situation in the Sahel, where a series of military coups have occurred over the last five years, has led to an environment where militant groups can thrive. Given the challenges facing these juntas, the prospect of curtailing JNIM's escalating threat seems increasingly bleak.

JNIM was formed in Mali in 2017 and includes five prominent jihadist factions: Ansar Dine, Katibat Macina, Al-Mourabitoun, Ansar al-Islam, and the Sahara branch of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. The group emerged as leaders from these factions sought to collaborate after French military operations repressed many jihadist elements in northern Mali in 2012. Since its inception, JNIM has extended its operations well beyond Mali.

The group is spearheaded by Iyad Ag Ghali, a former diplomat with a history of leading the Tuareg independence movement, while Amadou Koufa represents the Fulani community as the second-in-command. Analysts believe that JNIM's centralized leadership guides various local factions operating throughout the Sahel region, amplifying its reach.

While precise numbers on JNIM's fighter strength remain elusive, experts estimate it may number in the thousands, comprised largely of impoverished youth seeking economic opportunities.

JNIM's objectives include displacing the authority of local governments and enforcing a rigid interpretation of Islamic law, often clashing with the beliefs of local populations. In areas under its control, JNIM has implemented strict regulations that dictate public behavior, including enforcing dress codes and prohibiting music and smoking, which have drawn local resentment.

Originally concentrated in northern Mali, JNIM’s footprint has grown significantly, with North and East Burkina Faso currently identifying as hotspots for their activities. This expansion has been facilitated by a mix of military divisions within these countries and the group’s ability to engage with and exploit local grievances.

Recent reports indicate a marked increase in violent attacks, with JNIM claiming over 280 incidents in Burkina Faso alone during the first half of 2025—double the attacks seen during the same timeframe in 2024. It has been estimated that nearly 1,000 deaths across the Sahel can be attributed to JNIM’s operations within this timeframe, the majority being security personnel.

The group's tactics have evolved to include the use of improvised explosive devices and localized targeting of military installations, and recently, they have utilized Starlink satellite internet to enhance their operational capabilities. Such advancements enable them to communicate better, share intelligence, and improve logistics.

Funding for JNIM comes from diverse sources, including livestock theft, taxation of goods, and extortion of local populations. A significant portion of their revenue reportedly derives from cattle-rustling operations in regions rich in agricultural resources.

Efforts to combat JNIM's influence have faced challenges, stemming from a slowed withdrawal of French military support and failed joint regional strategies. Initiatives like the G5 Sahel Task Force, which aimed to establish a more coordinated military response, have faltered due to inadequate support from member nations.

The emergence of military juntas in the Sahel has had conflicting outcomes. While they have fostered a degree of national control, poorly governed military regimes have often exacerbated the threats posed by insurgent groups such as JNIM, especially with allegations of human rights abuses sparking further recruitment for the group.

As tensions and violence escalate, the need for a reassessment of both military and diplomatic strategies against JNIM becomes increasingly essential to restore stability and protect civilian populations in this affected region.