The Latest Breaking News from Mali

Brazen attack on Niger’s airport shows jihadis are expanding to cities in Africa's Sahel

Gunfire and explosions at Niger’s main international airport highlight a shift in militant strategy in Africa’s Sahel region

The Independent UK · Jun 19

Moscow uses 'Russian Houses' in Africa to lure recruits into war in Ukraine, investigation shows

Ukrainian military intelligence has revealed that Russia's expanding network of "Russian Houses" functions as a recruitment pipeline for its war, luring young Africans with promises of education and jobs before some are sent to the front lines or into drone factories.

Euronews · Jun 18

Air France permanently closes Mali operation, after flights halted in 2023

Air France has closed all operations in Mali, underlining how air links in the Sahel have been reshaped by strained ties between France and military-led governments, airspace closures, suspended services and recent security concerns around Bamako.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 18

Mali jails French diplomat for 20 years for 'undermining state security,' sources say

Under junta chief Assimi Goita, the country has turned its back on the West, especially France, in favour of closer ties with Russia.

Euronews · Jun 5

French diplomat in Mali sentenced to 20 years in prison for 'undermining state security'

A court in Mali has sentenced a French intelligence agent with diplomatic status to 20 years in prison for “undermining state security”, judicial sources said Friday, in a ruling that further strains already fraught relations between the West African junta-led state and its former colonial ruler France.

France 24 · Jun 5

Mali junta puts €3m bounty on Sahel al-Qaeda leader Ag Ghali

Mali's military government has offered a €3 million reward for information that leads to the arrest or killing of Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the Sahel branch of al-Qaeda that launched a major offensive in April.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 5

An Al-Qaida-linked blockade is fueling a sheep shortage in Mali – threatening Eid celebrations

Muslims in Mali's capital face challenges celebrating Eid al-Adha due to a blockade by armed groups linked to al-Qaida

The Independent UK · May 27

Spotlight on Africa: Global jihadism's growing grip on Africa

As attacks from jihadist groups allied to Tuaregs continue in Mali, global jihadism threatens Africa like no other region on earth, according to ACLED's latest report. With the organisation's expert on West Africa, Spotlight on Africa explores how jihadist groups are expanding across the continent, controlling territory, targeting civilians and…

Radio France Internationale · May 26

The Sahel region is less secure than ever: foreign forces just add to the cycle of violence

Several of Mali’s major cities experienced coordinated attacks in April by a new coalition of jihadists and separatist groups.

The Conversation · May 25

Mali’s security crisis holds warnings for Nigeria: here’s why

Mali and Nigeria, two of the countries in the Sahel region of west Africa, are separated by approximately 1,000 kilometres, with the Niger Republic between them. They differ in population size and government, but they face some of the same threats.

The Conversation · May 24