Senegal: Terrorist Threat at the Gates of the Land of Teranga

On July 1, 2025, the GSIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims – affiliated with Al-Qaeda) claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks in the Kayes region (Mali), targeting in particular the town of Diboli, located just 1.5 km from the Senegalese border. This offensive marks a strategic push westward, at the tri-border area between Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania.

In response to this expanding threat, Senegalese authorities have strengthened their security measures, deploying GARSI units along the border areas. Additional patrols and increased controls on major roads have been implemented. At the same time, road transporters have suspended routes toward Mali, citing major security risks along the way.

In this context, the strategic repositioning of the Diomaye-Sonko leadership, which favors security cooperation with Sahel countries, could expose Senegal to retaliatory actions from JNIM, which is now on high alert against any perceived hostile alignment.