n a rare interview, a senior leader and founding member of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM),
the Emir of Katiba Macina (MLF) Amadou Koufa (also spelt Hamadoun Kouffa), answered several
questions regarding JNIM’s activities and intentions in the Sahel and West Africa.
Koufa justified the pervasive violence against civilians conducted by JNIM in the region as part of a
conflict with the rival violent extremist organisation (VEO) Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP). Koufa
also stated that JNIM is “open” to negotiations with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, as long as they
occur within the framework of Sharia law.
Most notably, Koufa confirmed that JNIM are attempting to expand into the West African states of
Ghana, Togo and Benin.