Mali is currently experiencing difficult times. The blockade of fuel supplies to Bamako is suffocating the capital. Today, many observers, fearing the worst, are calling on ECOWAS, and particularly Senegal, to take action. What should Senegal's true stance be? Should ECOWAS act immediately? What risks does Senegal face with a potential escalation of the Malian crisis? Retired army colonel and former head of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA), Antoine Wardini, shares his valuable analysis in this interview with Seneweb.

The situation in Mali is causing great concern today. What are your thoughts on it, as a former high-ranking officer in the Senegalese army?

A serious threat of destabilization and humanitarian crisis for the entire sub-region, a situation to be considered at the highest level, in terms of security, the economy and the environment.

Many, like former Interior Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye, are concerned about the silence of the ECOWAS presidents. Is it urgent for ECOWAS to intervene before irreparable damage is done?

ECOWAS must monitor this crisis continuously to prevent it from spilling over into its area of competence and responsibility, even if it cannot intervene directly. This is because it is essentially an independent territory, intrinsically part of the ESA, which is no longer a member of ECOWAS.

So it cannot intervene without Mali's approval?

Not at the moment, especially since this crisis is still under Malian control. Indeed, it is currently well contained, closely monitored by the international community, and especially by its allies in the AES who had signed a joint defense pact.

What should be the stance of Senegal, which shares a border with Mali?

Senegal must maintain a military presence along its eastern border and remain on constant alert to control entry and exit points. If it cannot indirectly extinguish this conflict, it must do everything possible to prevent it from engulfing our territory, which, among other things, provides crucial access to the Atlantic Ocean.

What would be the risk for Senegal and the sub-region if the jihadists were to take Bamako, as feared?

This would inevitably lead to a new geostrategic reconfiguration in our Sahel, requiring immediate attention at the highest level, if necessary with our partners, to halt this terrorist advance which could have hidden agendas targeting Senegal and other countries. This is especially true given the current context marked by economic and political restructuring in the sub-region, which has already witnessed three military coups, not to mention the intervention of the Russian Wagner Group, a move poorly received in certain Western circles, and even within international organizations, both continental and regional.

Should Senegal further strengthen border surveillance?

Yes, without a doubt, as I just said. We shouldn't afford the luxury of sleeping soundly while our neighbor's house is burning down. That would be irresponsible and suicidal. I don't believe that's possible with our highly committed army, which is professionally recognized and appreciated worldwide.

Does the blockade imposed by the Jihadists on Bamako demonstrate the seriousness of the situation?

Yes, this reveals a clear gravity for Mali, which is experiencing a severe situation that, if left unchecked and unsecured, could very soon—and we certainly hope not—lead to regrettable and lasting repercussions for stability and the sub-regional economy. This risk of destabilization is undesirable for Senegal, which is embarking on a promising path toward emergence thanks to its natural resource potential, which has been under development for some time, and also thanks to the government's declared political commitment.

What would the Jihadists be aiming for with this strategy (blockade)?

A blockade of the logistical corridors for fuel supply and a generalized suffocation of its economy, which depends largely on its supplies from its neighbors; Mali being very landlocked in relation to major maritime and land supply vessels.

Interview by Youssouf SANE