Mali?? and Senegal?? Launch Joint Security Patrols to Combat Terrorism Along Their Border

Bamako, February 26, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster border security, Mali and Senegal initiated joint patrol operations along their 700-kilometer shared border on February 20, 2025. This collaboration targets the threat posed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), responsible for a series of terrorist attacks in western Mali, including the kidnapping and killing of a prominent religious leader in the region. The initiative marks a critical step in addressing the escalating security challenges in the Sahel region.

Details of the Joint Operations

The patrols, launched from the strategic border town of Diboli, involve specialized military units from Senegal, including the 4th Military Region and the Rapid Intervention and Surveillance Group, alongside Mali’s armed forces and internal security agencies. These efforts focus on enhancing surveillance along key routes and protecting civilians from terrorist attacks, aiming to reduce cross-border crime and insurgent activities.

Regional and Historical Context

The Sahel region faces profound security and economic challenges, with groups like JNIM exploiting security vacuums to carry out attacks. Formed in 2017 as an alliance of al-Qaeda-linked factions, JNIM has become a dominant force in northern Mali, with an estimated 1,500–2,200 fighters by 2020 Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin - Wikipedia. Its operations have expanded across the Sahel, making it a persistent threat to regional stability. This cooperation builds on previous joint efforts, such as operations with Mauritania in September 2024, and is bolstered by military training exchanges between Mali and Senegal since the signing of a technical agreement in March 2021.

Diplomatic and Strategic Importance

This initiative occurs within a broader diplomatic framework to combat terrorism and transnational crime. During his recent visit to Bamako, Senegalese Defense Minister Birame Diop and his Malian counterpart, General Sadio Camara, reaffirmed their joint commitment to these goals, despite Mali’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara praised the initiative, underscoring the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling insecurity effectively.

Both nations have expressed intentions to make these patrols a permanent fixture along their border, establishing a continuous monitoring mechanism to mitigate risks of attacks and crime.

Challenges and Sustainability

While promising, this collaboration faces significant hurdles. The Sahel’s challenges—poverty, unemployment, and weak governance—create fertile ground for extremist groups. JNIM’s adaptability and expansion remain major obstacles. The success of the patrols depends on sustained resource allocation, intelligence sharing, and addressing the root social and economic causes of terrorism.

Potential Impacts

Should this cooperation succeed, it could reduce terrorist attacks and cross-border crime, enhancing stability and economic development in the region. Improved security could improve daily life for residents, boost trade, and attract investment. However, failure might exacerbate tensions, increase security costs, and deepen regional challenges. This initiative could also influence international relations, particularly with partners like France and the United States, which have stakes in Sahel stability.

Conclusion

The security partnership between Mali and Senegal serves as a vital model for addressing cross-border threats in the Sahel, tackling immediate security concerns while fostering long-term stability. Despite its potential, success hinges on overcoming significant challenges, including JNIM’s resilience and the region’s socio-economic conditions. Sustained commitment from both nations, supported by international partners, is essential to meet the patrols’ objectives and establish a blueprint for future regional cooperation.