The Senegalese and Mauritanian armed forces have intensified joint security operations along their shared borders in response to growing terrorist activity in the region.
According to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA), both militaries carried out a river patrol covering several localities between Bakel-Aroundou and Diougountourou on the Malian border.
The initiative complements Senegal’s ongoing Operation Karangué, aimed at strengthening security in the eastern regions of Tambacounda and Kédougou, which remain vulnerable to cross-border risks.
The patrols come against the backdrop of escalating violence by jihadist groups, including July’s coordinated attacks by GSIM/JNIM in western Mali that disrupted the Kidira-Bamako trade corridor.
In early September, Senegalese drivers were kidnapped in the area before being released. Similar patrols were previously conducted in May with both Mauritania and Mali, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation.
Securing these corridors is also an economic priority, as Mali is Senegal’s largest African trading partner, absorbing more than 802 billion CFA francs in exports in 2024.
