Eastern Senegal is encountering rising concerns regarding jihadist activity, particularly in the context of recent attacks near its border with Mali. This report continues the series on the challenges faced by local communities, focusing on the truck drivers who transport goods across this critical trade route. Following a jihadist assault on a border post in July and attacks on Senegalese truck drivers in September, authorities have ramped up security along the route from Dakar to Bamako, heightening awareness of the potential for violence in a region already affected by conflict.

The atmosphere at the loading docks in Kidira, the last city in Senegal before the border with Mali, is tense. A gathering of truck drivers reflects their growing unease; they express feelings of frustration and anger over their precarious situation. With jihadists targeting transport vehicles, numerous drivers like Koné Tiemoko voiced their despair, stating that their livelihoods are under threat from both the violence in the region and inconsistent security measures.

As these drivers brace for the days ahead, the implications of their plight extend beyond individual suffering. The conflict threatens not only the lives of those involved but also the stability of essential supply routes that are vital for economic activity in both Senegal and Mali. This highlights the broader struggle in West Africa against jihadism, where local economies suffer while security dynamics remain precarious.