JUST IN: Malian government rejects US role in anti-JNIM fight
The Malian government has dismissed reports suggesting the United States is planning to intervene militarily against the jihadist group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), describing the claims as unfounded.
Speaking at a press conference in Bamako on Thursday, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, said the government had not received any official communication from Washington regarding reports of possible U.S. military action.
His remarks followed a report by The Washington Post, which cited current and former U.S. officials as saying the Trump administration was considering military options against JNIM, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group operating in Mali.
JNIM is an Islamist armed group linked to Al-Qaeda and is active across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and other parts of West Africa. Its leader, Iyad Ag Ghali, has been designated a terrorist by the United States.
Responding to the reports, Mr Diop said Mali became aware of the alleged plans only through media publications.
“We have no confirmation and no official statement from the United States or U.S. officials on this matter,” he said.
He stressed that Mali remains committed to tackling its own security challenges, adding: “I can assure you that Mali is not sitting idly by, waiting for others to come and solve our problem.”
