Mali | Five-Month Jihadist Blockade in Nioro du Sahel Plunges Population into Misery

Bamako, January 18, 2026 - Nioro du Sahel, Southwestern Mali - For nearly five months, the town of Nioro du Sahel, located on the Mauritanian border, has been under a blockade imposed by JNIM jihadists. The town is effectively cut off from the world, with roads controlled, movement virtually impossible, and kidnappings threatening anyone who attempts to circumvent the encirclement.

Testimonies from residents report a rapid deterioration in living conditions. Basic necessities are becoming scarce, leading to soaring prices in the markets. The price of some food products has nearly doubled, while livestock farming has become unaffordable for many families. Locals say they are barely surviving and are urging the authorities to strengthen security.

Despite the administrative presence of the state and occasional military operations, the blockade persists. Jihadists accuse the population of supporting Malian authorities, further fueling tensions. In Nioro du Sahel, the wait for improvement continues, while isolation and insecurity weigh increasingly on civilians.