Malian Town Faces Severe Isolation Amid Ongoing Extremist Siege

Since early September, the town of Nioro du Sahel in southwestern Mali, near the Mauritanian border, has been under a severe siege by the group "Support for Islam and Muslims," effectively isolating the community and restricting residents' access to basic necessities.

A Town Cut Off

The armed group has blocked all routes into and out of the town, making any attempt to travel a perilous endeavor. Locals report that individuals found on the roads face the risk of kidnapping, with many still unaccounted for.

Food Insecurity Intensifies

The ongoing siege has triggered a critical shortage of food and essential supplies, resulting in a sharp increase in market prices. While some food items have entirely disappeared, others have seen their prices double, making even basic livestock unaffordable for many residents.

Collective Punishment Allegations

Residents claim they have become targets for militants, who accuse them of supporting the Malian army. In recent months, numerous civilians have been arrested or kidnapped, a situation locals describe as "collective punishment." In a video message, a community spokesperson urged authorities for immediate intervention, stating that the town "lives in constant fear and is uncertain when this ordeal will conclude."

A Government Presence Without Security

Despite the continuation of official administrative functions in the town, the lack of a permanent military presence has left residents vulnerable, diminishing their capacity to resist armed groups or lift the siege.

Balancing Military Action and Dialogue

While the Malian army conducts operations in the vicinity, local officials argue that military force alone is inadequate. They advocate for exploring dialogue as a means to alleviate civilian distress and resolve the siege.
Siege as a Warfare Strategy
The situation in Nioro is emblematic of a broader tactic employed by the group "Support for Islam and Muslims," which involves suffocating towns by controlling critical access routes, as seen in previous instances in Farabougou, Timbuktu, and Léré.