Mali Conflict Map 2025: JNIM & Islamic State Activity

Between January and July 2025, Mali experienced significant activity from two jihadist groups and their affiliates: JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin) and the Islamic State (IS).

• JNIM is aggressively expanding west towards Senegal, and into southern Mali.

• Meanwhile, the Islamic State consolidates control in Gao & Ménaka, but struggles to push into central Mali, as it faces JNIM resistance.

• Mixed zones, indicated on the map, are areas where both groups have overlapping activity and influence, often resulting in violent armed clashes as indicated by the lightning bolt symbols. This is the result of an ongoing struggle for territorial control between militants. The Islamic State has also faced internal rivalries, leading to clashes between its own militants.

Source: Jules Duhamel, using ACLED data.