Map of JNIM Mujahideen control over the lands of West African countries

A map of the estimated current situation in this region:


- The dark green area of the map is completely JNIM controlled
- The majority of the light green area of the map is JNIM controlled and some areas are under agreement with tribes
- The blue striped part of the map is Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM controlled
- The red striped part of the map is a disputed region between JNIM and the Junta, where both sides are fighting
- The completely red part of the map is Malian Junta controlled
- The purple striped part of the map is a disputed area between JNIM and the Burkinabe Junta, where both sides are fighting
- The completely purple part of the map is Burkinabe Junta controlled
- The black part of the map is where members of the Khariji group are active

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has intensified attacks in recent years in the West African Sahel region countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. As JNIM's military operations continue in the region, the long-standing military rule of the region's junta forces is weakening day by day and the security crisis is constantly increasing.

On April 25 of the current year 2026, this region has once again become the center of discussion due to the start of a coordinated attack by JNIM. On this day, JNIM carried out a large-scale coordinated military operation simultaneously in key cities including northern Mali as well as central Mali and the country's heartland, Bamako. As a result of this operation, 39 top-ranking junta officers, including the country's Defense Minister and intelligence chief, were killed. In addition, hundreds more junta and militia members were killed and wounded, and more than 600 junta members were captured.

Three major countries are particularly notable in the conflict-ridden situation of West Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. However, Mali is currently at the center of the conflict-ridden situation in the region. Except for a few central cities in the northern part of the country, the entire region has come under the control of JNIM and their allies.

The same situation prevails in the central region, as JNIM has a strong presence in the majority of areas in the Mopti, Macina, and Ségou regions of central Mali. Among these, the entire area except for the 2 central cities of Mopti region is under JNIM control, and the 2 cities are also currently besieged by JNIM. In addition to northern and central Mali, JNIM Mujahideen also control several areas in southern and southeastern Mali. And JNIM Mujahideen are currently engaged in intense fighting with the Malian Junta over the control of the capital Bamako and its surrounding areas. At the same time, JNIM is increasing its influence around the capital Bamako and the country's second most important city, Kayes. Along with that, it is prolonging the siege on the capital Bamako.

Meanwhile, JNIM Mujahideen are also active in the desert regions of Mauritania and Algeria on the northern and western borders of Mali. After the coordinated operation of JNIM in April, the Russian-backed Malian Junta has almost completely lost its influence in the north of the country. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which participates in operations in unity with JNIM, is active in this region. The group has entered into an agreement with JNIM on several conditions, including the restoration of Sharia rule.

On the other hand, the Khariji group ISIS is active in Niger, which borders the special triangle in the eastern part of Mali. In this region, JNIM Mujahideen are forced to engage in sporadic clashes with the Khariji group from time to time while trying to keep their controlled border areas safe.


The second most important country under JNIM influence in West Africa is Burkina Faso:

Mali's neighboring country Burkina Faso is currently divided between the resistance force JNIM Mujahideen and the country's junta administration.

The majority of the country's rural areas and border areas are under JNIM control, and the areas outside of control are also under the group's influence. And the army (junta) is active in the capital and surrounding cities.

JNIM Mujahideen are active in all rural areas of Burkina Faso except the north, east, west, and the southern Ghana border. In this sequence, the group's Mujahideen are gradually advancing towards the central region of the country and adopting siege tactics. Meanwhile, using the Burkinabe border regions, JNIM Mujahideen have extended their influence to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. And JNIM Mujahideen are strengthening their presence through the Benin border up to the territory of Nigeria.

May 26, 2026, 11:19 am · 182 Views · Public