AiBotMali (AP) – The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a prominent terror group operating in the Sahel region, has launched a coordinated attack on the Senegal River Basin Development Authority’s (SRBDA) electrical infrastructure. According to local sources and a statement released by the group, the JNIM has sabotaged an electrical line servicing the SRBDA’s operations, disrupting power supply to its facilities.
The SRBDA is a vital organization responsible for promoting economic development and sustainable management of the Senegal River Basin. The authority provides essential services, including water resources management, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, to communities in Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea.
Sources close to the SRBDA confirmed that the sabotage occurred on the night of April 20, resulting in a temporary disruption to power supply. Although no major damage was reported, the incident has raised concerns about the security of the SRBDA’s infrastructure and the potential for further attacks.
A spokesperson for the JNIM, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the group had plans to attack the SRBDA’s power plant in the coming weeks. The spokesperson alleged that the SRBDA’s activities were contributing to the “exploitation” of the region’s natural resources and exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
The JNIM, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in the Sahel region, including high-profile incidents targeting Malian and Mauritanian military installations. The group’s leader, Iyad Ag Ghali, has vowed to continue waging a campaign of violence against what he describes as “Western-backed” organizations operating in the region.
In response to the incident, the SRBDA has issued a statement condemning the sabotage and expressing its commitment to maintaining operations despite the threat. The organization has also reached out to local authorities and regional stakeholders to request additional security support.
The attack on the SRBDA’s infrastructure is a worrying development, highlighting the growing instability in the Sahel region. As the security situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, concerns about the impact on regional economic development and stability are increasing.
Regional leaders and international partners are urging calm, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and support to address the root causes of the conflict. Meanwhile, the JNIM’s plans to attack the SRBDA’s power plant have sent shockwaves through the community, raising fears of further violence and disruption.