Residents in Senegal’s eastern border communities are sounding the alarm over rising insecurity following a series of jihadist attacks just across the border in Mali.

One of the attacks, which occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday in the Malian town of Diboli, lies just two kilometres from Senegal’s Kidira settlement. The proximity has sparked widespread fear among locals living near the Falémé River.

Many say they now feel vulnerable, with extremists seemingly inching closer to their communities. “It’s never been this close,” one resident told reporters.

The growing concerns are fueling calls for increased surveillance and cross-border security collaboration to prevent any possible spillover.