Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 3rd August 2025, 3:37 PM
The Senegalese government announced on Saturday the deployment of new gendarmerie units in the eastern region of the country, as security concerns rise due to increasing jihadist activity near the border with Mali.
This strategic move comes in response to recent attacks in western Mali, including one on Diboli, a border settlement located less than 500 metres from Senegal’s town of Kidira. These attacks were attributed to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a jihadist faction reportedly seeking to expand its influence into Senegal.
Developments in Senegal’s Eastern Deployment
| Aspect | Details |
| Security concern origin | Jihadist attacks in Mali’s west (especially Diboli) |
| Main threat actor | Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) |
| Border proximity of attacks | Less than 500 metres from Kidira, Senegal |
| Affected regions in Senegal | Tambacounda, Kédougou, Saraya, Bakel |
| Measure implemented | Creation of new gendarmerie units; motorbike ban in Bakel |
| Security goals | Counter cross-border crime, trafficking, and jihadist threats |
| Lead official involved | General Birame Diop, Minister of the Armed Forces |
Newly Established Gendarmerie Units
| Location | Unit Type |
| Tambacounda | Investigation Brigade |
| Saraya | Rapid Action Group for Surveillance and Intervention, Gendarmerie Company |
| Kédougou | Gendarmerie Legion |
According to a Facebook post by the National Gendarmerie, the units were inaugurated in official ceremonies led by General Birame Diop, who emphasised the importance of trust-building and cooperation with local communities to ensure effective operations.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
The gendarmerie stated that the expansion reflects:
“The creation of these units demonstrates the will of the senior authorities to guarantee the protection of populations and property as well as the security of the territory,”
— National Gendarmerie Statement
Regional Context and Countermeasures
JNIM, which is highly active in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has been recruiting fighters by exploiting feelings of marginalisation among local populations in the Sahel. The group’s potential incursion into Senegal has prompted additional defensive measures.
| Recent Countermeasure in Bakel Region | Purpose |
| Night-time ban on motorcycles | Prevent use of motorbikes in jihadist assaults, as seen in Mali |
Motorbikes have become a common mode of transport for jihadist groups to carry out quick and mobile attacks, prompting local authorities to suspend their use during night hours along critical border stretches.
Senegal’s eastern frontier now stands as a critical line of defence against a potential spillover of jihadist violence. Through the strategic reinforcement of law enforcement and border security units, the government is signalling its readiness to deter threats and maintain national stability.
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