Name: Mali sees record surge in foreign kidnappings by jihadist groups
Uploaded: 2025-11-14T09:24:06.599Z
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Description: With international actors increasingly targeted, the crisis poses growing risks for diplomacy, development projects, and regional security across West Africa.

With international actors increasingly targeted, the crisis poses growing risks for diplomacy, development projects, and regional security across West Africa.

Bamako

Mali has reported a significant increase in the number of foreign nationals kidnapped by jihadist groups between May and October 2025, according to data from ACLED. At least 22 to 26 foreigners, including Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, Emirati, and Iranian nationals, were abducted during this period, marking the highest figure ever recorded in the country and nearly doubling the previous record set in 2022.

The majority of these kidnappings have been attributed to JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked coalition operating in the Sahel region. Experts note that ransom payments, which have reportedly reached up to $50 million in some cases, are now a central component of JNIM's operations, further destabilizing Mali's political and economic environment and deterring foreign investment.

Mali sees record surge in foreign kidnappings by jihadist groups

Mali is facing a dramatic escalation in security as jihadist groups have carried out a record number of kidnappings targeting foreigners this year. According to data from ACLED, at least 22 to 26 foreign nationals were abducted between May and October 2025, the highest figure ever recorded in the country. The number nearly doubles the previous record of 13 kidnappings in 2022. Abductions include Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, Emirati and Iranian nationals. These abductions are largely attributed to JNIM, the al-Qaeda-linked coalition operating across the Sahel. Experts say the practice has become a key pillar for JNIM's so-called economic jihad. Ransoms have reportedly reached staggering levels. In one case, the group is believed to have secured up to $50 million for the release of an Emirati hostage and his entourage. Beyond financing militant operations, these kidnappings aim to undermine foreign investment and further destabilize Mali's already fragile political and economic landscape.

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