Fresh instability in Mali has once again put the spotlight on the country's fragile security landscape and the growing role of foreign actors in its internal conflicts. A wave of coordinated attacks near the capital, Bamako, and across the country has been claimed by jihadist fighters linked to JNIM, alongside Tuareg rebel groups, raising fears of a broader escalation. Russia says its Africa Corps, successor to the Wagner Group, played a key role in stabilising the situation and preventing a potential coup. But questions remain about the true extent of foreign involvement, the effectiveness of current security strategies, and what this means for Mali's sovereignty and long-term stability. Mpho Sithole spoke to Zoumara Diarra, Human Rights, Governance, Security expert from Kurukan Fuga University of Bamako