Mali is marking its 66th Independence Day amid growing insecurity, fuel shortages and increasing attacks by armed groups across the country.
The anniversary comes as the government struggles to secure vital supply routes into the capital, Bamako, while armed groups expand their operations in several regions.
On September 10, the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) attacked an army camp in Dioura, central Mali. The attack came months after a major offensive in April, when JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coordinated attacks on military and strategic locations in Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Gao and Kidal.
The April attacks exposed the vulnerability of government forces and resulted in the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara.
Since September 2025, JNIM has also targeted fuel tankers and major highways transporting fuel from Senegal and Ivory Coast, causing severe shortages in Bamako and disrupting electricity supplies and schools.
The Malian government said more than 900 fuel tankers entered Bamako under military escort on September 14. However, the need for such a large security operation has highlighted the continuing vulnerability of the routes linking the capital with neighbouring countries.
Growing cooperation between armed groups
Northern Mali has long been affected by Tuareg demands for greater autonomy or independence. However, the recent cooperation between JNIM and the FLA has increased pressure on the military government.
Although the two groups have different objectives, they have coordinated attacks against government forces. JNIM seeks to impose its interpretation of Islamic law, while the FLA is focused on Tuareg demands for autonomy and independence.
Analysts warn that continued cooperation between the groups could make it more difficult for the government to regain control of parts of the country and reach a lasting political settlement.
Mali's changing alliances
Mali's military government, which seized power in a 2020 coup, has moved away from several Western and regional partners while strengthening relations with Russia and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025 and have instead strengthened the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Russia has also become an important security partner for Mali. Russia's Africa Corps has taken over the role previously associated with the Wagner Group and operates under the Russian Defence Ministry.
Despite these new alliances, insecurity has continued to affect large parts of Mali.
Rights organisations have also documented abuses against civilians by armed groups, Malian forces and allied Russian fighters.
Thousands displaced by conflict
The security crisis has forced hundreds of thousands of Malians from their homes. The UNHCR estimated that more than 400,000 people were internally displaced in the country as of June.
Regions including Gao, Mopti, Menaka and Timbuktu are hosting significant numbers of displaced people, while farming and herding communities continue to face insecurity, competition over resources and disruption of essential services.
Although the government says fuel supplies to Bamako have been restored, armed groups remain capable of disrupting key routes and attacking military positions.
As Mali celebrates its independence, many residents remain concerned about the country's security situation and its future.
One Bamako resident told Al Jazeera that people wanted to celebrate Independence Day but remained anxious following recent attacks.
The resident said the continued ability of armed groups to launch major attacks had raised questions among citizens about the government's claim that the security situation was under control.
Tags
World News