Malis

The Unexpected Seizure: Mali's Military Helicopters Land at Barrick Gold Mine In a surprising turn of events, Malian military helicopters executed an unannounced landing at Barrick Gold Corp.'s Loulo-Gounkoto mine last Thursday, resulting in the seizure of over one metric ton of gold. The implications of this incident are significant, raising numerous questions about the future of mining operations in Mali and the tensions between the government and foreign investors. On a typically quiet Thursday morning, as the sun cast…

Mali's Bold Transition: A Controversial New Presidential Path In a move that has stirred both support and contention, Mali's transitional parliament has approved a contentious bill that bestows a five-year presidential term upon junta leader General Assimi Goïta. What makes this decision particularly provocative is that this term is renewable without necessitating any elections. As we navigate these uncharted waters, one can't help but wonder: what implications might this have for Mali's political landscape?…

The military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

Mali is forging a new path in its quest for economic autonomy. Recently, the country began the construction of a state-of-the-art gold refinery, powered by Russian backing. This strategic initiative, championed by its military-led government, aims to enhance the nation's control over its precious natural resources. But what does this really mean for Mali and its future? The newly established refinery is set to be a significant player in Mali's economy, with the Malian government holding a majority stake of 62%.…

The Electricity Crisis in Mali: A Complex Web of Debt and Dependence Mali currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a staggering debt of over $94 million owed to the agency responsible for managing the Manantali Dam, a crucial hydroelectric power source. This facility doesn't solely serve Mali; it also supplies electricity to neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. The implications of this financial strain are profound, and some experts have deemed it "a question of life and death" for the dam's ongoing operations.…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…

In a bold move that has sparked significant discussion among political stakeholders, a national conference held in Mali has recommended appointing the junta leader, Assimi Goita, as president for a five-year term. This proposal follows a series of deliberations in the capital, Bamako, where attendees engaged in robust dialogue about the future governance of the nation. This recommendation shines a light on the complexities and challenges Mali faces today. During the conference, participants proposed not only the…

A Glance at Nigeria’s Migration Dilemma In recent events, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) flagged a group of 62 individuals—comprised of 51 men and 11 women—who were detained for illegal entry and subsequently deported through proper channels. This incident sheds light on the pressing issue of irregular migration across West Africa’s vulnerable borders, underscoring the heightened scrutiny of regional movements. Mr. Tony Akuneme, the Controller of the command, shared the details in a statement issued on a Sunday in…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

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,…