Dynamics of Jihadist Sieges in Mali

Jihadist sieges have become a defining feature of conflict in the Central Sahel, fuelling displacement and humanitarian crisis. This project examines how sieges are launched, enforced and lifted, analysing the political and social dynamics that shape them as tools of economic warfare,  to undermine state power, as expressions of jihadist governance and sites of civilian agency. 

Jihadist insurgencies—notably sieges—have risen notably in the Central Sahel, and triggering humanitarian and displacement crises. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the Sahelian branch of Al Qaeda, is the leading jihadist group in the region and has displaced large numbers of civilians, particularly in Burkina Faso.  

Sieges have complex, multifaceted dynamics but serve a broader strategic goal: They are a weapon of war to counter state forces and their affiliates and crush civilian resistance. At the same time, insurgents may end or lift sieges when populations mobilise against them, third parties intervene or in response to  humanitarian need.   

Why and how Sahelian jihadists—specifically JNIM—initiate, implement and end sieges are the central questions of this project. It aims to fill a gap in the analysis of the devastating economic warfare tactics in the region and carries important practical and conceptual implications. Its research can shed light on essential social and political dynamics affecting shaping the vulnerability of Sahelian civilians while also feeding debates on the drivers of jihadist expansion, jihadist governance and wartime civilian agency.

• Yvan Guichaoua (bicc)
• Héni Nsaibia
• Flore Berger
• Rebecca Navarro (bicc)
• Hamma Diallo