Senegal announced the deployment of new gendarmerie units in its eastern region to address growing security concerns along the border with Mali. This move comes in response to jihadist attacks in Mali’s western areas, including an assault on Diboli—just 500 meters from Senegal’s town of Kidira.
The attacks were claimed by JNIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), a militant group that has expanded its activities across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso and is now believed to be eyeing Senegal. Analysts suggest the group exploits local grievances to recruit followers.
To counter the threat, Senegal is establishing several security units: an investigation brigade in Tambacounda, a rapid surveillance and intervention force, a gendarmerie company in Saraya, and a legion in Kedougou.
Additionally, authorities have enforced a nighttime ban on motorcycles in the eastern Bakel region, where jihadists have used motorbikes to conduct cross-border attacks from Mali, including in Diaboli.
