How an al-Qaeda offshoot became one of Africa's deadliest militant groups

The Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda offshoot, has emerged as one of Africa's deadliest militant groups, operating primarily in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Formed in Mali in 2017 through a coalition of jihadist groups, JNIM aims to impose strict Islamic law in its territories. The group, led by Iyad Ag Ghali, has expanded its reach geographically and intensified attacks, resulting in significant casualties across the Sahel region. Efforts to combat JNIM, including military interventions and peacekeeping missions, have so far failed, with recent military coups in the region further exacerbating the situation.