Facing increased militant activity near its eastern frontier, Senegal is deploying new gendarmerie forces to strengthen border security with Mali. The move follows jihadist attacks in nearby Diboli, a town dangerously close to Senegalese territory.
The assaults were linked to the jihadist group JNIM, known for its operations across the Sahel. Experts believe the group is seeking to expand into Senegal, leveraging local discontent to grow its influence and recruitment.
In response, Senegal has formed specialized units, including a rapid response team, an investigative brigade, and new gendarmerie detachments in regions such as Tambacounda, Kedougou, and Saraya.
As part of additional preventive measures, officials have also imposed a nighttime ban on motorcycles in Bakel—a tactic aimed at disrupting the militants’ favored mode of transportation during cross-border attacks.
