The Latest Breaking News from Mali

Senegal's President Faye: Macky Sall best candidate 'to fight for Africa' at UN

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has thrown his weight behind his predecessor and former political rival Macky Sall to become the next United Nations secretary-general. No one is better placed to fight for Africa's place at the table, he told RFI and France 24.

Radio France Internationale · 6h ago

Al-Qaida-linked JNIM claims a deadly Mali army camp attack

Al-Qaida-linked JNIM has released videos showing dozens of Malian soldiers it claims to have captured and said more than 100 others were killed in a September 10 attack on an army camp. The claims could not be independently verified, while Mali’s military confirmed losses but gave no figures.

The Economic Times · Sep 20

UN Security Council fails to adopt US-backed Iran sanctions resolution after Russia and China vetoes

The proposal, which the United States had drafted to extend the UN expert panel’s mandate for a year was defeated by a vote of 11-2, with Somalia and Pakistan abstaining because of the Russian and Chinese vetoes.

Euronews · Sep 18

Anthropic Warns AI Is Making State Surveillance Cheaper and Easier To Scale

Anthropic says government-linked actors in China, Mali and Iran used Claude to analyse social media, compile dossiers, automate intelligence work and develop surveillance malware.

International Business Times UK · Sep 10

AI deepfakes and fake fighters reshape Mali's information war

Mali's warring sides are increasingly using artificial intelligence to fight an information war alongside their battle on the ground, a study published Wednesday has found. Jihadists are experimenting with relatively basic AI propaganda, separatist networks are creating fake online characters and Russia's Africa Corps is using the technology on a…

Radio France Internationale · Sep 10

Generative AI a new tool in Mali's information war: study

Generative AI is increasingly used for information warfare in Mali, according to a study released Wednesday, with the conflict's factions mastering the technology to varying degrees. While JNIM's use appears "still limited", its media arm Az-Zallaqa did release AI-generated posters in June 2026.

The Economic Times · Sep 10

JNIM jihadists step up incursions into northern Benin

Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM has been intensifying its activities in Benin since 2022. The country serves as a transit corridor between the areas of operation of the group, which is well established in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Two nature reserves have become logistical hubs for the jihadist fighters. Benin's…

France 24 · Sep 9

Niger’s failed coup is a warning to the Sahel’s military rulers: those with power must keep their promises

Niger’s military regime, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, faced its most significant challenge on 29 August 2026 since coming to power in 2023. For several hours, soldiers clashed with forces loyal to the junta across the capital, Niamey, in an apparent attempt to seize power. The situation then stabilised and…

The Conversation · Sep 2

Still dancing at 88, Mali’s Mariam Bagayoko keeps tradition alive

At the age of 88, barefoot and cinched into a belt of cowrie shells, renowned singer Mariam Bagayoko still sweeps across the stage with infectious energy, dazzling wide-eyed fans with the rhythms of a bygone Mali.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 30

Malian PM's visit to Algeria underlines need for mutual security goals

The acting head of the Malian government, General Abdoulaye Maiga has begun a two-day visit to Algeria. It comes amid a thaw after months of tension. RFI spoke to Bakary Sambe, the Director of the Timbuktu Institute about the security situation and what the countries hope to gain from the…

Radio France Internationale · Aug 24