Blockade tightens around Mali's Bamako as militants seal entry routes

Islamist militants have imposed a tightening blockade on Mali's capital Bamako, with several entry routes closed and residents stranded after JNIM warned that no one would be allowed in; the move follows the killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara amid a northern offensive by jihadist and separatist groups, as Mali’s government faces mounting security challenges and external actors, including Russia’s Africa Corps, remain involved.