The United Nations has voiced deep concern after a wave of coordinated attacks in Mali, describing the violence as a stark escalation in a conflict that has destabilised much of the Sahel.

According to UN officials and regional sources, jihadist militants aligned with groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin have joined forces with Tuareg separatist factions to mount what observers say is the largest combined offensive Mali has witnessed in more than a decade of war.

The attacks targeted military positions and strategic towns in northern and central Mali, areas already scarred by years of insurgency, communal violence and state fragility. Casualty figures remain difficult to verify, but humanitarian agencies report growing numbers of displaced civilians seeking safety amid fears of further assaults.

Briefing reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric said António Guterres “calls for coordinated international support to address the evolving threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel and to meet urgent humanitarian needs.”

Dujarric said the Secretary-General “strongly condemns these acts of violence, expresses solidarity with the Malian people and stresses the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.” He added that Guterres is reiterating his appeal for “robust security coordination and collaboration across the region” as armed groups exploit porous borders and weak state presence.

Mali has been battling Islamist insurgents and separatist rebellions since an uprising in the north triggered a nationwide crisis more than ten years ago. Despite multiple peace agreements and international interventions, large swathes of territory remain outside effective government control.

The latest offensive comes at a time of profound geopolitical realignment. The ruling military junta has expelled UN peacekeepers and distanced itself from traditional Western partners, turning instead to Russia and allied private military contractors for security support. Analysts say this shift has altered the balance of power on the ground, prompting armed groups to test the capacity and cohesion of Malian and foreign forces.

UN officials warn that without renewed international engagement, the violence in Mali risks further spilling into neighbouring Burkina Faso, Niger and beyond, deepening one of the world’s most complex and neglected crises.