The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) armed group has taken control of the Kayes barracks in Mali.

The development comes amid escalating tensions and violence in the region.

This was made known Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, in a post on his X handle on Monday.

Makama described the JNIM as a prominent militant group in the Sahel responsible for several attacks on military and civilian targets in recent years.

According to the report, the High Islamic Council, led by Cherif Ousmane Madani Haidara and Gen. Yamoussa Camara, has called for dialogue with all armed groups in the country in a bid to address the escalating violence and instability in Mali.

The security expert stated that the move comes as the military and civilian populations grow increasingly dissatisfied with the current situation, with extremist groups like JNIM expanding their control in southern Mali.

“The council’s initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but the challenges ahead are significant.

“JNIM’s involvement in the illicit logging economy has contributed to deforestation and instability in the region, adding complexity to the situation.

“The success of the dialogue remains uncertain, but the High Islamic Council’s effort marks a crucial step towards addressing Mali’s growing instability,” Makama said.