How did Mali become a stronghold of ruthless terrorists? Thousands of crores of rupees are earned through kidnapping and ransom; know which group is active

News Topical, Digital Desk : Recently, three Indian citizens were kidnapped by a terrorist organization in Mali. The Indian government expressed deep concern over this incident and asked the Mali government to take necessary steps for their immediate and safe release. Terrorism is at its peak in Mali.

Mali, a troubled country in West Africa, is currently in the grip of Islamic terrorism. Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organizations Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province have created an atmosphere of insecurity in the country.

How is money earned?

These terrorist organizations have made kidnapping and ransom their main strategy, due to which Mali is gradually becoming a global hub for this type of crime.

There were several kidnappings in Mali in 2024. In January, two rural teachers were kidnapped from Tilan village in the Segu region and the village was burned down. However, they were released after 6 days.

Kidnapping and ransom generate more income

Then in December, kidnappings of civilians were confirmed in the Farabugu region. Recently, three Indians were kidnapped from the Kayes region, which further deepens this challenge.

Between 2017 and 2023, the group took responsibility for 845 of the nearly 1,100 kidnappings in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. JNIM's annual revenue in 2017 was between Rs 1,490 million and Rs 2,900 million. About 40% of this revenue came from kidnapping and ransom.

According to experts, terrorist organizations earn millions of dollars annually by kidnapping people, which they use to buy weapons and recruit people into their group.

What is Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam Wal-Muslimeen (JNIM)?

• JNIM, the terror group that kidnapped Indians in Mali, is active in five countries and is the deadliest wing of al-Qaeda.
• JNIM has become the most active and dangerous terrorist organization in the last five years.
• It was founded in March 2017 by the merger of terrorist groups like Ansar Dine, AQIM (Sahara branch), Al-Murabitun and Katiba Makina.
• JNIM's strategy is not limited to terrorist attacks. It tries to run an alternative governance in the areas it occupies through Sharia administration, taxation and justice system.
• The group clashes with West African governments, French and Russian security forces, as well as rival jihadist groups such as the Islamic State.

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