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Mali

Mali borders Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal and Mauritania. It is one of the Sahel countries being hit by a terrorist insurgency.

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All Content on this topic

A Russian flag with the emblem of Russia on hang on the monument in the CAR

A Russian flag with the emblem of Russia on hang on the monument in the CAR

How the Russian Wagner Group is entrenching itself in Africa

The Russian Wagner Group has been active in many African countries for years. Now, it's expanding its range of services.

Photos of the leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré, from left to right.

Photos of the leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré, from left to right.

Rising discontent with military juntas in the Sahel region

Activists are condemning the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger for failing to keep their promises.

A Malian man standing on a rooftop in Bamako poses in military garb and holds up a Russian flag alongside an Ethiopian flag

A Malian man standing on a rooftop in Bamako poses in military garb and holds up a Russian flag alongside an Ethiopian flag

Nigerian FM on Russian motives in Africa: Trust but verify

What are Russia's goals? Yusuf Tuggar told DW Nigeria pursues "strategic autonomy" following series of coups in Africa.

Plume of smoke rising in Bamako, Mali

Plume of smoke rising in Bamako, Mali

Mali: Militants attack police school near airport — army

Mali's army said militants had attempted to infiltrate a military police school near Bamako's international airport.

German soldiers board a transport plane in Niamey, Niger

German soldiers board a transport plane in Niamey, Niger

Germany withdraws troops from junta-run Niger

The move, prompted by military coups in the region, means the Bundeswehr no longer has a presence in Africa's Sahel.

Burkinabe Interim President Ibrahim Traore speak into a microphone

Burkinabe Interim President Ibrahim Traore speak into a microphone

Burkina Faso vows 'determined response' against terrorists

After the deadly attack in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso promises a decisive counterstrike.

DR Kongo | Mpox Fälle in Süd-Kivu

DR Kongo | Mpox Fälle in Süd-Kivu

WHO leaders meet in Congo to discuss Mpox

Denmark shuts embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso following coups +++ WHO leaders meet in Congo to discuss Mpox

Living conditions in Mali are worsening four years after the military took power

Living conditions in Mali are worsening four years after the military took power

Mali's economic woes worsen under military rule

As public frustration grows, the hopes that fueled the military coup in 2020 remain unfulfilled.

Malian soldiers patrol a town while holding their weapons

Malian soldiers patrol a town while holding their weapons

Mali breaks diplomatic ties with Ukraine

Ukraine has rejected alleged involvement in a rebel attack, calling Mali's decision "shortsighted."

Mercenaries believed to belong to the Wagner group seen in Mali

Mercenaries believed to belong to the Wagner group seen in Mali

Mali: Russian mercenaries suffer major military blow

Tuareg separatist militants in Mali have reportedly killed or caputured several dozen Wagner fighters in recent days.

Undated photograph handed out by French military shows Russian mercenaries in northern Mali

Undated photograph handed out by French military shows Russian mercenaries in northern Mali

Mali: Rebels say they killed soldiers in restive north

Tuareg rebels claim they have killed Malian soldiers as well as Russian mercenaries in the country's embattled north.

Police officers in Kenya stand on the street in uniform during protests on July 2, 2024.

Police officers in Kenya stand on the street in uniform during protests on July 2, 2024.

AfricaLink News: 10 July 2024

Mali: ECOWAS withdrawal irreversible +++ Kenya: Officers linked to protesters' abductions will be prosecuted

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani and Ibrahim Traore

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani and Ibrahim Traore

West African junta leaders rule out rejoining ECOWAS

The military rulers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit the regional bloc in January, accusing France of interference.

A Malian village in the Dogon region close to Bandiagara

A Malian village in the Dogon region close to Bandiagara

Mali: Armed group kills dozens at wedding celebration

Dozens of guests, many of them young people, at a wedding ceremony had their throats cut by a group of armed men.

A Nigerien soldier drinks water from a water pipe in Niamey, Niger

A Nigerien soldier drinks water from a water pipe in Niamey, Niger

Sahel: Navigating Germany's development cooperation

Grassroots groups and German partners are seeking renewed cooperation amid the military juntas in Africa's Sahel region.

On the picture, the President in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seen before the trial of the Malian Muslim militant Al-Hassan

On the picture, the President in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seen before the trial of the Malian Muslim militant Al-Hassan

ICC convicts jihadist leader for gender-based crimes in Mali

An Islamist militia leader has been convicted of crimes against humanity including rape and persecution in Mali in 2012

A man wearing a white turban and thin black glasses

A man wearing a white turban and thin black glasses

Explainer: Why the ICC found Mali's Islamist guilty

The International Criminal Court has convicted a Malian Islamist extremist of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

l Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mahmoud looks on as he attends his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands on May 9, 2022.

l Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mahmoud looks on as he attends his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands on May 9, 2022.

ICC convicts al-Qaida-linked leader of war crimes in Mali

Al Hassan Mahmoud was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Islamist militants' rule in Mali.

Benin | Fotoreportage Marco Simoncelli aus Porga

Benin | Fotoreportage Marco Simoncelli aus Porga

Malian green entrepreneur fights desertification

Mali is facing a desertification crisis that threatens the livelihood of its citizens.

A refugee woman holding a little girl

A refugee woman holding a little girl

Burkina Faso world's worst forgotten crisis: report

The Norwegian Refugee Council says a chronic lack of funding has led to the neglect of millions of people.

MONUSCO blue helmet peacekeeper deployed near Kibumba, north of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

MONUSCO blue helmet peacekeeper deployed near Kibumba, north of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

UN 'Peacekeepers Day' remembers the lives lost

This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers honors more than 4,000 blue helmets who have died in service.

Kenia Überschwemmung in Kajiado

Kenia Überschwemmung in Kajiado

How can Africa prepare for natural disasters?

A deadly heatwave in Mali killed hundreds in April and Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania experienced devastating floods.

Leaders of ECOWAS countries pose on a red carpet at a summit in Abuja

Leaders of ECOWAS countries pose on a red carpet at a summit in Abuja

ECOWAS is under pressure to reform

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in crisis mode and observers are calling for profound reforms.

Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita

Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita

Mali widens crackdown on politics, media

The ruling junta has imposed bans on the activities of political parties and media coverage of political life.

Men watch TV in a restaurant in Bamako, Mali

Men watch TV in a restaurant in Bamako, Mali

Mali: Junta bans media coverage of political parties

After a ban on political parties' activities, Mali's ruling junta also banned media coverage of political life.

Residents cross a road damaged by rains in Tula, Tana River county in Kenya

Residents cross a road damaged by rains in Tula, Tana River county in Kenya

Malawi, Kenya and Mali in the path of climate change

Many countries are being hit by the effects of climate change, including extreme drought, floods and a heat waves.

President of Chad's Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations

President of Chad's Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations

Chad: What to expect from the presidential election

Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has pursued stronger ties with France in recent years, is likely to win the vote on May 6.

Mali junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita

Mali junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita

Mali junta cracks down on political activity

Citing the need to maintain public order, Mali's junta suspended all political party activities until further notice.

Soldiers pictured at Niger's National Guard's training center in Niamey in May 2023

Soldiers pictured at Niger's National Guard's training center in Niamey in May 2023

West African juntas set up joint anti-terrorism force

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are planning on a joint force to "overcome the security challenges" facing the countries.

Russland Ibrahim Traore

Russland Ibrahim Traore

AfricaLink on Air - 04 March 2024

German minister warns of Russian influence+++Security situation in the Sahel+++Rwanda probes sexual abuse allegations

A Malian army paratrooper poses with an AK-47 assault rifle

A Malian army paratrooper poses with an AK-47 assault rifle

The struggle for control in Mali's restive north

Mali's regime drives a tough military course in the north, but jihadists and rebels are adapting their strategies.

An ambulance is seen in Timbuktu, Mali

An ambulance is seen in Timbuktu, Mali

Mali bus crash leaves 31 dead, several injured

The bus fell off a bridge en route to neighboring Burkina Faso, carrying both locals and foreigners.

African leaders at the summit, as Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president and chairman of ECOWAS, looks on

African leaders at the summit, as Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president and chairman of ECOWAS, looks on

Niger: West African bloc ECOWAS lifts post-coup sanctions

West African leaders have agreed to lift a number of sanctions on Niger as they meet for a regional summit.

Senegal's President Macky Sall delivers a statement as he stands in front of the Senegalese flag.

Senegal's President Macky Sall delivers a statement as he stands in front of the Senegalese flag.

Senegal: Why has President Macky Sall postponed elections?

Senegal’s President Macky Sall's announcement to postpone elections sparked protests in the country.

Nigeria | ECOWAS-Staatsoberhäupter in Abuja 2023 | Regionale Zusammenarbeit

Nigeria | ECOWAS-Staatsoberhäupter in Abuja 2023 | Regionale Zusammenarbeit

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger exit ECOWAS

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announce exit from ECOWAS+++Insecurity in the Sahel could deteriorate, analysts tell DW.

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

ECOWAS: What next after Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso quit?

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc has set fire to the already strained relations.

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS 'weaker' as Sahel trio quit the bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have cut ties with ECOWAS, a key body in a region hit by coups and security crises.

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

AfricaLink on Air - 29 January 2024

Military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announce their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS

A general view of attendees during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government ordinary session in Abuja in December 2023

A general view of attendees during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government ordinary session in Abuja in December 2023

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit ECOWAS

The leaders of the three Sahel nations siad it was a "sovereign decision" to leave the regional bloc "without delay."

Fighters for Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) patrol through the town of Kidal, Mali

Fighters for Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) patrol through the town of Kidal, Mali

Mali to start peace talks after ending deal with separatists

Mali's junta decided to launch a new peace process just one day after it scrapped a 2015 peace deal with separatists.

Abdoulaye Maiga speaking in Mali's state television in July 2023

Abdoulaye Maiga speaking in Mali's state television in July 2023

Mali ends peace deal with separatist groups

The 2015 Algiers Accord brought stability to the north of the country as jihadist violence was on the rise.

Boris Pistorius, Svenja Schulze, Bundeswehr soldiers and a Bundeswehr plane in Gao

Boris Pistorius, Svenja Schulze, Bundeswehr soldiers and a Bundeswehr plane in Gao

Should Germany expand strategic partnerships in the Sahel?

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are all governed by military regimes. How can Germany continue its involvement there?

A man squats on his haunches near a hole in the ground and trees

A man squats on his haunches near a hole in the ground and trees

Senegal's gold rush: More wealth, but at what cost?

Mining in Senegal is an economic boon for the region, but mounting instability in Mali makes it vulnerable, too.

Members of the refugee fire brigade are seen conducting an exercise to prepare for a real fire

Members of the refugee fire brigade are seen conducting an exercise to prepare for a real fire

Mauritania: The refugees putting out fires - and prejudice

As Mauritania faces its bushfire season, a group of refugees teams up with the local community to put out the flames.

Mali | Angriff auf UN-Friedenstruppen (2021)

Mali | Angriff auf UN-Friedenstruppen (2021)

AfricaLink on Air - 26 December 2023

A challenging year for UN peacekeepers in Africa +++ Kenya's drive to privatize state-owned assets

Returning troops of the German armed forces Bundeswehr who had served under the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, disembark of an A400M military cargo aircraft at the military air base in Wunstorf, northern Germany, on December 15, 2023.

Returning troops of the German armed forces Bundeswehr who had served under the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, disembark of an A400M military cargo aircraft at the military air base in Wunstorf, northern Germany, on December 15, 2023.

Mali: Last German troops return, told mission 'not in vain'

Mali's Russian-backed military government ordered international peacekeepers to leave earlier this year.

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What does the departure of German troops mean for Mali?

The last German MINUSMA peacekeeping troops have left Mali. Mali’s military government had demanded an end to the UN mission, which had provided some 15,000 soldiers over the last decade. A top security analyst shares insider knowledge on what the departure means for Mali and the Sahel region, where jihadist insurgents have been causing havoc – and what role Wagner mercenaries play.

The Meharistes patrol remote Saharan communities on camelback to curtail jihadi insurgents.

The Meharistes patrol remote Saharan communities on camelback to curtail jihadi insurgents.

Mauritania: Camel corps patrols Sahel desert

The Meharistes patrol remote Saharan communities on camelback to curtail jihadi insurgents.

German Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Mali as part of the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission lower their flag as they prepare to abandon Camp Castor in the city of Gao

German Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Mali as part of the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission lower their flag as they prepare to abandon Camp Castor in the city of Gao

Mali: German Bundeswehr soldiers depart as UN mission ends

Germany's army says the last of its soldiers are on their way home, bringing a 10-year mission to an end. Mali's militar

Soldiers walk beside tanks bearing the German flag.

Soldiers walk beside tanks bearing the German flag.

Explainer: What the German troop withdrawal from Mali means

Germany has ended its participation in the UN mission in Mali in a pullout ordered by Mali's military leaders.