Dutch FM _Stef Blok

Mali’s army recaptures strategic northern rebel stronghold of Kidal

Mali’s army has reportedly recaptured the strategic northern town of Kidal, which has been a stronghold of Tuareg-dominated separatist rebel groups that has long posed a major sovereignty issue for the ruling junta. “Today our armed and security forces have seized Kidal,” Colonel Assimi Goita said in a statement on Tuesday (14 November). “The (Malian […]

Morocco & Mauritania Discuss Security Cooperation Prospects

Head of Morocco’s national police & domestic intelligence agency Abdellatif El Hammouchi and Mauritania’s Chief of national security Mesgharou Ould Sidi Leghweizi discussed on Tuesday in Rabat ways of enhancing security cooperation and coordinating efforts against common regional challenges. The two parties stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in police training, exchanging experiences, expertise and […]

EU-Niger tensions soar after EU envoy recalled over junta’s aid mishandling claims

The European Union has recalled its ambassador in Niger for consultations in Brussels after the junta-led authorities had on Friday (22 November) questioned the EU’s management of humanitarian aid provided to those impacted by severe flooding in the Sahel country. The EU recalled its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, from Niamey after Niger’s junta had […]