Mali’s central Ségou region has extended its nighttime curfew for another 30 days, from September 3 to October 2, covering the hours between midnight and 5 a.m. The curfew, first imposed in June after a surge in violence, has been prolonged in response to ongoing security threats. The latest extension follows the killing of the mayor of the rural town of Dogofry on Saturday; local sources attribute the murder to traditional Dozo hunters.
In addition, jihadists from the Islamist group Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) attacked a military camp in the town of Farabougou on August 19. The assault forced civilians to flee and compelled the army to abandon its positions. JNIM claims to have killed 21 soldiers and several civilians, though no official death toll has been released, and the group has maintained control over Farabougou since the attack.
These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges facing Mali and the broader Sahel region. According to the United Nations refugee agency, the Ségou region recorded 323 security incidents in the first six months of 2025, resulting in 736 civilian victims. In the past three months, the Kayes and Sikasso regions in southern Mali have also imposed curfews amid continuing insecurity.
Mali’s security situation has been precarious for several years, with various armed groups, including JNIM, operating throughout the country. While the Malian government is working to restore stability, ongoing violence and instability present significant challenges. The extended curfew in Ségou is intended to reduce the risk of further attacks and protect civilians.
The crisis in Mali forms part of a broader security emergency in the Sahel, which has experienced a sharp rise in violent attacks and instability in recent years. The international community is supporting regional efforts through military assistance and humanitarian aid. As the security landscape in Mali and the Sahel continues to evolve, further measures are likely to be implemented to address the persistent threats and instability.
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