The Rise of JNIM: A New Chapter in West Africa’s Jihadist Conflict

This article delves into the rapid rise of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, which has become one of the most lethal militant groups in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Our investigation covers the group's formation, leadership, operational strategies, funding sources, and the broader implications of its presence amid increasing violence and regional instability.

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a notorious affiliate of al-Qaeda, has surged to prominence as one of Africa's most dangerous jihadist organizations, wreaking havoc across West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Following a series of coordinated attacks on military installations in Mali on July 1, JNIM is capturing growing attention for its significant impact on regional stability.

Formed in 2017, JNIM emerged as a coalition of five jihadist factions following the French military's successful push against various jihadist and separatist groups in northern Mali around 2012. The coalition includes notable groups like Ansar Dine and the Sahara branch of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. The leadership of JNIM is a blend of backgrounds, featuring Iyad Ag Ghali, a former diplomat turned militant from the Tuareg ethnic group, and Amadou Koufa, a prominent figure from the Fulani community.

Analysts estimate JNIM’s ranks could be in the thousands, primarily comprising young men who seek economic opportunities in one of the continent's poorest areas. The group's primary goal is to reject local government authority and impose a stringent version of Islam and Sharia law, influencing cultural practices and community standards.

Since its inception, JNIM has expanded its operational footprint from central Mali to encompass broader regions including Benin and Togo. Burkina Faso has particularly become a central zone for the group's activities due to local grievances and military divisions. This has manifested in an alarming rise in violent incidents, with JNIM reportedly conducting over 280 attacks in the first half of 2025 alone, doubling the number from the previous year.

Tactics employed by JNIM include the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and assaults on military bases. Recent reports also highlight the use of advanced technology, such as Starlink's satellite internet, that has enhanced their operational capabilities, facilitating better communication and logistical planning.

Funding for JNIM has taken various forms, including cattle theft, tax imposition on trade and resources, and financial transactions through illicit means. This has enabled the organization to sustain itself within the local economy, complicating counter-narratives to its appeal.

Counterinsurgency missions, such as those previously undertaken by French forces and the now-defunct G5 Sahel Task Force, have largely failed to contain JNIM’s growth. Military coups in recent years—resulting in governance crises—have further empowered JNIM, as disenfranchised communities become susceptible to recruitment tactics. Observers note that human rights abuses committed by government forces have only exacerbated local anger, driving more individuals towards JNIM.

With a rapidly worsening security landscape, experts assert that the path to pacification may not lie solely in military force but perhaps in diplomatic negotiations that engage local communities and address underlying grievances. The emergence of JNIM signals a complex interplay of local dynamics and international terrorism, demanding urgent attention from regional and global stakeholders.