Mali under jihadist blockade: civilians face starvation as government rejects talks

The Malian government has firmly shut the door on negotiations with armed jihadist groups occupying parts of the country, despite mounting calls from local political figures for dialogue. Speaking to the diplomatic corps in Bamako, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop made it clear: «We will not engage in talks with terrorist armed groups that have no honor or faith, and who bear full responsibility for the years of suffering endured by our people.»

The government’s current strategy remains military confrontation. Recent reports, confirmed by regional correspondent Serge Daniel, indicate that Mali has received new military equipment from Russia to bolster its operations.

Military operations intensify in northern Mali

The primary objective for Malian authorities remains regaining control of Kidal, currently under the control of armed groups. This likely explains why Russian mercenaries and Malian forces, after withdrawing from two localities in the Kidal region, have repositioned and strengthened their presence in Aguelok, another key town in the area.

Jihadist blockades paralyze southern Mali

In the south, the priority is to clear all road axes blocked by jihadists, who have imposed a new blockade. This Saturday, hundreds of vehicles, passengers, and goods remained stranded at various locations across the country.

Humanitarian crisis deepens in central Mali

In Diafarabé, a town in the Mopti region, the humanitarian situation has reached alarming levels. The town has been under blockade by the Jnim since May 12, 2025, cutting off access to essential supplies and medical care. Residents report extreme food shortages, near-total lack of medicines, and insufficient healthcare for an exhausted population.

«No one can enter or leave. The blockade is complete. All the food we had is gone. Famine is setting in. We spoke with military detachment leaders, who promised to send supplies soon, but we’re still waiting. This came after protests by young people and women. It’s absolute despair! There’s nothing left!» shared a resident in a phone call with RFI reporters, speaking in Mandinka and Fulfulde.

«Before the flood season, we managed to bring in small amounts of food by river, despite the risks. I was shot during one of these attempts and broke my arm. Things are better now, but here, it’s total survival. All we want is food. That’s all we need right now.»

Government inaction fuels desperation

A video appeal for help, widely shared on social media last Saturday, has so far gone unanswered by transitional authorities. The lack of food, medicines, and adequate healthcare has pushed residents to the brink, with many describing their situation as desperate.

No end in sight for Mali’s crisis

With the government maintaining its refusal to negotiate and military operations showing limited progress, civilians in affected regions continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, facing starvation, isolation, and a collapsing healthcare system.