Mali

In a bold proclamation, the Sahel nations have unveiled their exit strategy from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), set to take effect in 2024. The catalyst for this decision? A chorus of criticism aimed at ECOWAS for allegedly being puppeteered by former colonial powers—a sentiment that resonates deeply in regions still grappling with the legacies of colonialism. To counter this narrative, the military regimes of these countries have unified under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), announcing an…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

In a significant move, Resolute Mining, an Australian-based company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $160 million to the Malian government in a bid to settle an ongoing tax dispute. This decision comes on the heels of a troubling incident where Mali's authorities detained the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other staff members during their trip to Bamako for what was supposed to be routine negotiations with the current regime. As tensions rise, the spotlight on foreign mining operations in Mali grows ever…

Disinformation plays a pivotal role in Russia's hybrid warfare strategy throughout Africa. This tactic aims to bolster Moscow's influence and seize control of the continent's precious resources, as outlined by the Africa Defense Forum (ADF). According to reports, Russia accounts for a staggering 40% of disinformation initiatives across Africa, driven by its so-called "cognitive warfare" approach. This method exploits local grievances and the complex history of colonialism in Africa, cleverly redirecting attention away from…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

In a bold move, three West African nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—governed by military juntas, are set to unveil new biometric passports as they distance themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Wagner Group Admits Significant Losses in Mali Clashes On Monday, the Wagner mercenary organization conceded that it had endured substantial casualties during recent skirmishes with separatist factions in northeastern Mali. Mali, a nation grappling with insurgencies for over ten years, sought assistance from Wagner after military leaders seized control in 2020. This request came amidst escalating violence from both terrorists and separatists in the northern regions. Between July 22 and July 27, Malian forces collaborated…

Sixty years ago, on March 18, 1962, the Evian Agreement was signed between representatives of the French Government and those of the Provisional Government of Algeria (GPRA). The text defined the conditions for Algeria's independence and put an end to almost eight years of decolonization war. A conflict that had consequences in neighboring countries, especially in Mali, where then-President Modibo Keïta had supported the Algerian national liberation front. Our guest is the Malian journalist Tiegoum Boubeye Maïga.

RFI's FM waves have been cut across Mali since mid-Thursday. Consequence of the decision of the Malian Transitional Authorities to suspend RFI and France 24, following the sending of testimonies reporting abuses by the Malian army in the center of the country.…

A delegation from ECOWAS is expected this Friday, March 18, 2022 in Bamako. The West African Economic Organization's mediator for Mali, Goodluck Jonathan, will once again try to agree with the transitional authorities on an election timetable for a return to…