CONFLICTED Mali’s Crisis is Not What it Seems
May 12, 2026
Wassim Nasr, journalist and Sahel expert who reports on jihadist groups and regional conflicts. He unpacks France’s counterterrorism legacy in Mali. He traces Iyad al-Ghaly’s rise and JNIM’s evolution. He explains the JNIM–FLA rapprochement, the April 25 coordinated attacks, and why negotiations with Islamist actors are now on the table.
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Iyad al-Ghali The Politician Warrior
- Iyad al-Ghali combines jihadi leadership with political skill, uniting trans-ethnic forces under JNIM.
- Nasr explains JNIM recruited Tuareg, Fulani and others, turning it into the region's main trans-ethnic jihadi force.
The Tinza‑Wattin Rout That Shook Wagner
- The Tinza‑Wattin battle in July 2024 was a major Wagner defeat with 58 killed and huge material losses.
- Nasr recounts FLA and JNIM roles there; JNIM later walked among corpses in videos, straining communications between allies.
The Practical Deal Between FLA And JNIM
- The 2025 FLA–JNIM deal split roles: FLA manages towns, JNIM controls countryside under Sharia implementation.
- Nasr notes implementation differs (e.g., theft punished by bans not amputation) demonstrating pragmatic compromise.