AJ’s Defence Editor breaks down the latest threat to Mali’s government and the rapid retreat of Russian forces there
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The Burkinabe government has dismissed a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report claiming that more than 1,800 civilians were killed in alleged abuses by military forces and allied militias over the three years since Ibrahim Traoré seized power. “The report is false, consisting of conjecture and serious…
Sahel Region – The 2026 Global Terrorism Index presents a mixed outlook for the Sahel, pointing to a measurable decline in attacks and fatalities in 2025 while warning that the region remains the world’s most affected by extremist violence. Countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger recorded fewer terrorism-related incidents…
Mali has released more than 100 suspected jihadists as part of a negotiated arrangement aimed at restoring fuel supplies to the capital, Bamako, following months of crippling shortages, according to official and security sources. Deal to End Fuel Blockade The agreement comes after sustained attacks on fuel tanker convoys by…
Burkina Faso is experiencing a renewed wave of violence as jihadist militants linked to Al-Qaeda intensify attacks on civilians, Human Rights Watch reports. In under a month, at least 38 civilians have been killed and nine women abducted in separate incidents, underscoring the country’s deepening security crisis. The attacks have…
Niamey, Niger – Niger’s main airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, was targeted in a rare attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, underscoring the growing reach of jihadist violence into the capital. The assault, which took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, was repelled by Nigerien soldiers with the…
Mali is witnessing a sharp escalation in insecurity as jihadist groups carry out an unprecedented wave of kidnappings targeting foreigners. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that between May and October 2025, at least 22 to 26 foreign nationals were abducted the highest number…
A Malian woman known for her TikTok videos supporting the army was abducted and publicly executed by armed assailants, state media and local sources confirmed. Mariam Cisse, who had nearly 100,000 followers, was taken from the northern town of Tonka on Thursday and later shot by her captors, according to…