UN Report: Islamic State Group Expands Mali Territory by Nearly Double in Less Than a Year

Islamic State extremists have nearly doubled their territory in Mali in less than a year, taking advantage of the stalled implementation of a 2015 peace agreement and the perceived weakness of armed groups. Al-Qaida-linked Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is also vying for leadership in northern Mali. The violence and attacks by IS fighters have made the signatories of the peace deal appear weak, allowing JNIM to position itself as the sole actor capable of protecting populations against IS. Mali's military rulers are watching the confrontation between IS and al-Qaida from a distance, while armed groups fear the peace deal could fall apart without UN mediation. The report also highlights the competition for control over trade and trafficking routes, drug trafficking, and persistent conflict-related sexual violence in the country.