Mali

The use of commercially available small civilian drones for strikes by terrorist and armed rebel groups is not limited to Mali, and has become prevalent throughout the Central Sahel. Separatist and terror groups in the region likely draw inspiration from the successful use of drones by regular armies in other conflict zones, such as Libya and the Middle East. 

While by any measure Mali’s armed forces repelled the assailants, the attacks were a significant show of force by JNIM. By targeting Kayes, the group took aim at a region that is home to large gold mining operations and that previously was largely insulated from jihadist violence. At the same time, the group showcased its ability to carry out simultaneous attacks in at least seven different locations. 

Mali's military government has granted General Assimi Goïta a renewable five-year term as president of the west African country, clearing the way for the junta chief to remain in power until at least 2030. 

Mali and Russia have signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding mutual trade and strengthening economic ties.

Mali’s military government has stepped up its efforts to reclaim control of its lucrative gold industry, moving decisively this week to seize operational reins of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex from Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold and launching construction of a new Russian-backed refinery.

The complaint targets the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA), the Burkinabe Forces, and Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, which recently replaced the Wagner group in Africa. 

A collaborative investigation by international media outlets has uncovered secret prisons run by Russian Wagner mercenaries in Mali, where abuse and torture are carried out with impunity. Reporters with the Forbidden Stories consortium – which includes RFI's sister channel France 24 – reveal how the Wagner paramilitary group duplicated methods it has used in Russia and Ukraine. 

The Africa Corps, a Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force, said on Friday it will stay in Mali after Russia's Wagner mercenary group leaves following a 3-1/2 year fight against Islamist militants.

Islamist militants hit two more military installations on Wednesday and Thursday, Mali's army said, the latest in a quick spate of attacks that the insurgents say have killed hundreds of soldiers and underscored their gains. 

The military authorities in Mali have dissolved all political parties and repealed laws protecting political participation, drawing sharp condemnation from the UN’s top human rights official on Friday. … The clampdown comes amid a broader erosion of civic space in Mali since the military seized power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021.