How al-Qaida-linked jihadist group JNIM is bringing Mali to its knees

Political instability and fuel shortages caused by rebel group is driving Mali to brink of becoming Islamist republic

Armed groups of JNIM fighters have blocked key routes used by fuel tankers, disrupting supply lines to the capital Bamako and other regions across Mali.

The al-Qaida-linked jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is gradually converging on Mali's capital, Bamako, with increasing attacks in recent weeks, including on army-backed convoys.