Mali Regime Faces Jihadist Siege

The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) has allied with the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) following attacks over the weekend. Rebels have blocked the supply of energy, fuel, and other essential goods to the capital city of approximately 5 million people. The blockade has resulted in instability regarding water and electricity access. This follows previous reports of JNIM terrorist blockades paralyzing the city. An alliance has formed between Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda affiliated jihadists in Mali. The groups view the current military government as a common adversary. There are concerns regarding whether the alliance could attempt to seize the capital and establish joint governance. The group lacks support in the southern region of the country and is currently involved in violent sieges and occupations in various parts of Mali. The alliance aims to broker partnerships to avoid being perceived as seeking central power. The Malian government is facing a siege by jihadist groups following the departure of French forces. The regime had previously relied on Russian support after expelling the French. There are concerns the country could fall to Islamist groups after twenty years of efforts to contain them.