Malian City Faces Severe Isolation and Food Shortages Amid Extremist Siege

Since early September, the town of Nioro du Sahel, located in southwestern Mali near the Mauritanian border, has been under a suffocating siege imposed by the extremist group "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin." This has effectively isolated the town from its surroundings, restricting residents' movement and access to essential supplies.

A Town Cut Off

The armed group has blocked all routes leading into the town, making entry or exit a perilous endeavor that only a few dare to attempt. Residents report that those caught on the roads face the risk of abduction, with numerous individuals reported missing.

Food Insecurity Intensifies

The extended siege has resulted in severe shortages of food and essential goods, causing significant price increases in local markets. Some food items have vanished entirely, while the prices of others have doubled, rendering livestock unaffordable as prices reach unprecedented levels.

Collective Punishment Accusations

Residents claim they have become direct targets for extremists who accuse them of supporting the Malian army. In recent months, dozens of civilians have been arrested or abducted based on these allegations, a situation described by locals as "collective punishment." In a video message, a spokesperson for Nioro's residents urged authorities to intervene urgently, stating that the town "lives under daily fear, unsure when this nightmare will end."

Administrative Presence, Security Absence

While official administrative activities continue in the town, the lack of a permanent military presence has left residents without real protection, undermining their ability to confront armed groups or break the imposed siege.

Military Action vs. Dialogue

As the Malian army conducts operations around the town, local officials argue that relying solely on military force is insufficient. They call for exploring alternative avenues, including dialogue, to alleviate civilian suffering and end the siege. The situation in Nioro is not isolated; it reflects a broader strategy employed by "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin" to suffocate towns and villages by controlling vital routes, as seen previously in Farabougou, Tombouctou, and Léré.