ISIS has performed a U-turn on a pledge of allegiance from a fledgling group of Islamist fighters based in Mali, after previously ignoring it in May 2015, writes Alexander Sehmer in Jamestown Foundation. The Islamic State (IS) is now pledging loyalty to the leader of al-Qaida affiliate al-Mourabitoun, which was formed last year by former members of Ansar Dine, an Algerian militant group. Mali's government is already struggling with Islamist attacks whilst trying to negotiate a shaky peace deal with rebel groups.
ISIS has performed a U-turn on a pledge of allegiance from a fledgling group of Islamist fighters based in Mali, after previously ignoring it in May 2015, writes Alexander Sehmer in Jamestown Foundation. The new willingness comes as ISIS faces increasing pressure in Iraq and Syria where territory previously under the group's control is slowly being reclaimed, and as this happens, it is suggested its franchises in Mali and Yemen could gain greater attention. Mali's government is already struggling with Islamist attacks whilst trying to negotiate a shaky peace deal with rebel groups.