Ivory Coast has strengthened its border defenses amid a rising wave of instability in southern Mali, issuing an emergency lockdown along the frontier after an “unusual flow” of refugees fleeing jihadist violence.

The refugee influx is linked to escalating attacks by the al-Qaeda–affiliated JNIM group, which has reportedly imposed a fuel blockade on key transport routes from Côte d’Ivoire into Mali. hese restrictions and associated violence are putting pressure on Ivory Coast’s northern regions, prompting authorities to tighten security and prepare for continued cross-border spillover.

Security analysts warn that the current crisis underscores the fragility of Ivory Coast’s northern border. While the government’s proactive measures may help contain immediate risk, long-term stability will likely depend on deepening regional cooperation and addressing the broader jihadist threat in the Sahel.