Mali: UAE hostages freed amid JNIM threat to Bamako

Bamako may not be under the control of Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM), yet, the threat looms if the group forms alliances that could push for Islamic governance. Roads remain blocked and jihadist forces continue to pressure the junta. Recently, two Emirati citizens were kidnapped by JNIM and later released, raising questions about the price the UAE paid for their quick liberation. Investigative journalist Wassim Nasr breaks down the situation and what it means for Mali’s fragile stability.