Summary:

As of mid-September 2025, jihadist groups operating in Mali were actively disrupting cross-border trade routes with Senegal and Mauritania, causing increasingly serious disruptions to economic activity in the region, including shortages of critical basic supplies. 

Transporters, including trucks carrying fuel, have paused some operations out of fear of having their shipments commandeered by jihadists. Some transport firms are considering engaging the groups to reach an agreement in order to safely continue their operations. 

Recent reports indicate cross-border traffic backed up for 10 kilometers after disruptions caused by jihadist groups operating in the border regions. 

Economic challenges in Mali have compounded the threat from Islamic jihadists, adding to the ranks of the jihadist groups and also spawning criminal gangs which harass local communities for economic gain. 

Outlook: 

The local challenges at Mali’s borders are indicative of the broader trans-Sahelian security environment in which central governments struggle to maintain security and control over their territory, allowing jihadist and criminal groups to operate as highly disruptive non-state actors. 

Each region brings its own highly localized challenges and dynamics, but economic challenges for young men remains a persistent driver of participation in jihadist and criminal activity. Faltering economies continue to struggle to create jobs and provide legitimate means by which laborers can support their families, leading many to pursue affiliation with violent groups that offer salaries in addition to access to food and other supplies. 

While Mauritania has expanded its security operations and partnered with foreign governments to address security within its own borders, its ability to address jihadist activities with Mali are limited. With Mali’s government at odds with many foreign powers that might offer security assistance, this fundamental security challenge is very likely to continue and worsen. 

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