Mali's military is struggling against a growing jihadist insurgency, with soldiers arrested for allegedly collaborating with militants. The Islamist group JNIM and separatists have reportedly seized cities, killed the defense minister, and are now attempting to blockade Bamako. The escalating security crisis, including the role of Russian mercenaries, is under close scrutiny.

As Mali’s military struggles to maintain control amid a growing jihadist insurgency, a number of its own soldiers have been arrested, accused of collaborating with Al-Qaeda-linked militants in coordinating widespread attacks. Islamist group JNIM, alongside separatist rebels, has reportedly seized two northern cities, killed the defence minister, and is now attempting to impose a blockade on the capital, Bamako. We take a closer look at what’s happening on the ground, the escalating security cr...