Mali: New military zones off-limits to civilians to strengthen security
Malian authorities have made a significant decision for national security. On Friday, June 5, 2026, the government published a ministerial decree announcing the creation of several "zones of military interest." These zones cover nearly 40 forests spread across the entire Malian territory.
The primary objective of this measure is to strengthen the fight against jihadist groups and growing insecurity. By transforming these natural spaces into military zones, the army hopes to limit the movements of armed groups that often use forests as hideouts or operational bases.
A major consequence of this decision is the total ban on access for civilians. From now on, citizens are no longer authorized to enter these forest areas. This measure aims to protect the civilian population from risks related to military operations and to facilitate the work of soldiers on the ground.
Mali has been going through a difficult period marked by complex security challenges for several years. The ruling junta is thus seeking new strategies to stabilize the country and regain full control of the most unstable regions. The closure of these forests is a key step in their new defense plan.
For the time being, authorities have not indicated the duration of these restrictions. Residents of the affected areas will have to adapt their daily activities to these new security rules, as the armed forces prepare to intensify their actions against terrorist threats in these sectors.