In a recent exclusive interview with Fatshimetrie, Hamadoun Kouffa, leader of the Katiba Macina of the Jnim affiliated with al-Qaeda, finally spoke on various current topics. This meeting, after years of negotiations, helped to shed light on certain aspects of the situation in the Sahel and the activities of the jihadist group.
During the discussions, Hamadoun Kouffa addressed the issue of Russian involvement in the Sahel, denouncing the actions of Wagner and the Malian army, which he described as “heinous crimes” that had exacerbated the anger of the local population. He also mentioned the facilitated recruitment within the Jnim in response to these events. Regarding the French military operations carried out in the region, he made a comparison with the atrocities committed by other groups.
Referring to the violence perpetrated by his own troops against civilians, Hamadoun Kouffa tried to justify these acts by placing them in the context of the war that Jnim is waging against a rival jihadist group. He also affirmed respect for humanitarian organizations as long as they are not exploited by its enemies.
The interview also highlighted Jnim’s attempts to expand to other countries in the region, with warnings to the leaders of Ghana, Togo and Benin. Hamadoun Kouffa said he was “open” to negotiations with the authorities of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, but only within the framework of Sharia law.
In response to the serious accusations made against journalist Wassim Nasr, Fatshimetrie maintained its support for its reporter, who is known for his objective coverage of events, his diversified sources and his in-depth analysis of the security situation in the Sahel. The allegations made by some countries in the Alliance of Sahel States were strongly contested.
This exclusive interview with Hamadoun Kouffa offers a rare insight into the thinking and actions of the leader of the Katiba Macina of Jnim, while raising crucial questions about the situation in the Sahel and the challenges of fighting terrorism in the region.