Senegal has announced the deployment of additional gendarmerie units in the eastern part of the country in response to escalating security concerns along its border with Mali.
The move follows recent insurgent activity just across the border, including an early July attack on the Malian town of Diboli, situated less than half a kilometre from Senegal’s Kidira. The assault was carried out by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a militant organisation that experts believe aims to expand its operations into Senegalese territory.
In a Facebook announcement, Senegal’s National Gendarmerie confirmed that new security units had been launched this week in the eastern regions of Tambacounda, Kédougou and Saraya. These deployments were formalised during official ceremonies led by Armed Forces Minister General Birame Diop.
According to the gendarmerie, the new units will focus on tackling cross-border criminal activities, various forms of trafficking, and the broader security threats facing the region. Their establishment, the statement said, reflects “the determination of national leaders to safeguard people, property and territorial integrity.”
The new security structures include an investigation brigade in Tambacounda, a rapid intervention and surveillance unit, a gendarmerie company in Saraya, and a new gendarmerie legion in Kédougou.
Minister Diop stressed the importance of fostering trust between security forces and local communities to encourage better cooperation.
Extremist groups in the Sahel, including JNIM, often gain footholds by exploiting local discontent and perceptions of state neglect. JNIM remains particularly active in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
In a related effort to enhance border security, Senegalese authorities recently imposed a night-time ban on motorbike use in the eastern Bakel region, following reports that insurgent fighters have used motorcycles in recent raids, including in the town of Diboli.
