Mali

The Echoes of Discontent: Unpacking Mali's Growing Political Turmoil Mali stands at a critical juncture, teetering on the edge of chaos once again. Recent reports have surfaced that dozens of soldiers have been arrested for plotting to overthrow the military government, an unsettling development that hints at deeply entrenched discontent within the ranks of the nation’s armed forces. Notably, among those apprehended is General Abass Dembele, a respected military figure and former governor of the Mopti region. This latest…

Mali’s Strategic Appeal for U.S. Investment and Cooperation Amid ongoing turmoil and the persistent threat of Islamist insurgents, the leadership in Mali is making a concerted effort to court U.S. investment and diplomatic backing. The transitions within the government have ignited a push to fortify a regional alliance of military-led administrations across West Africa. But what is the driving force behind this urgency? And how might U.S. policies evolve in this sensitive landscape?…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a poignant plea to the military junta and its allies, notably the Russia-supported Wagner Group, urging an immediate cessation of the executions targeting ethnic Fulani men in Mali. Furthermore, they demand transparency regarding the fate of those detained since the year's outset. In a region fraught with violence, HRW's call echoes the urgent need for accountability and justice. Since January, a grim tally has emerged: at least a dozen Fulani men have been executed while approximately 81…

In the vibrant landscape of Zambia's economic future, Barrick Gold Corporation, a renowned Canadian multinational, is embarking on an ambitious journey. With a formidable investment of $2 billion, the company is significantly expanding the Lumwana copper mine, a move that not only positions Zambia as a pivotal player in the global copper market but also enhances the industrial landscape locally. This expansive project, already underway, has set an impressive goal: doubling the annual copper output at Lumwana to…

The recent sale of gold marks the resumption of operations at a significant mining site, which had been dormant for nearly six months due to a prolonged disagreement between Barrick Gold and the Malian government. In the world of mining, disruptions like these often send ripples through local economies, drawing attention from investors and the public alike. As operations begin anew, one can't help but wonder: what does this mean for Mali, its economy, and its future collaborations with foreign investors?…

Mali's Ongoing Struggles: A Complex Landscape of Insecurity In the early hours of Tuesday, the armed forces of Mali reported a disturbing sequence of coordinated attacks that hit multiple military positions across seven towns in both the central and western parts of the country. As details trickle in, one can’t help but wonder: what are the underlying causes of this resurgence in violence? While the military statement refrained from disclosing specifics about the assaults or naming the responsible entities, it is…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently hailed the remarkable advancement in Mali’s legislative efforts to safeguard the rights of stateless individuals. This new law is not just a piece of legislation; it marks a transformative step toward addressing the complexities of statelessness in the country. By creating a clear pathway to nationality for its citizens, defining what it means to be stateless, and ensuring accessibility to healthcare and education, Mali is sending a powerful message about…

Mali has officially taken control of the Yatela and Morila gold mines—two sites that had previously been left abandoned by their foreign owners, according to a government announcement over the weekend. This significant move reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting control over strategic natural resources in response to soaring gold prices. The aim? To invigorate local economies and lessen reliance on foreign entities. Gold is not just a shiny metal; it represents…

Mali's Strategic Shift: Strengthening Ties with Moscow The recent diplomatic journey undertaken by Mali's transitional leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, underscores a pivotal moment in the country's foreign relations. His visit to Russia highlights the deepening ties between Mali and Moscow at a time when Mali is stepping away from traditional alliances, particularly with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As Goïta embarks on this military transition, one must consider how these shifts are redefining…

On a crisp Monday, the Kremlin buzzed with energy as President Vladimir Putin extended a warm welcome to Colonel Assimi Goita, the military head of Mali. Their meeting symbolized much more than a mere handshake; it was the beginning of a strengthened alliance between their two nations. Together, they signed important agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, setting the stage for future collaborations that could reshape their respective geopolitical landscapes. According to Russian official media, this…