On July 18, 2026, jihadist forces from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim) launched a devastating assault on the military camp in Kouakourou, Mali. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict, culminating in the destruction of a military helicopter the following day. Civilians attempting to blend in with fleeing soldiers were reportedly captured, while residents were given a stark ultimatum: abandon their homes or face the consequences.

Retreating forces face repeated ambushes

In the aftermath of the attack, Malian army reinforcements, accompanied by Russian partners from the Africa Corps, attempted to reach the beleaguered camp. However, their convoy was repeatedly ambushed by jihadist fighters. Drone strikes and the destruction of a critical bridge forced the military to abandon their mission and retreat to Djenné, nearly 40 kilometers away.

Displaced families seek refuge in Djenné

The entire population of Kouakourou has since fled, with many seeking shelter in nearby villages such as Pora and Saba. The journey to Djenné has been arduous, with some residents forced to walk the distance. Hundreds of displaced individuals—men, women, and children—now reside in overcrowded conditions, relying on the generosity of host families or support from local authorities. An emergency school in Djenné has become a temporary home for many, while aid organizations have distributed essential supplies, including food and mosquito nets. Additional donations continue to arrive, and some displaced families have even made the journey to Bamako in search of safety.