Rival armed groups join forces against the Malian state: What next?

A series of coordinated attacks by armed groups in Mali has exposed vulnerabilities in the country's security system. The al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for attacks on military sites, including in Bamako, and stated it had 'captured' the city of Kidal. Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed during these attacks, highlighting the government's weak ability to secure the country.