First Independent Mena Newspaper
Tensions within Mali’s military have intensified following revelations that Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group — and their successor, the Africa Corps — have disrupted military cohesion, undermined counterterrorism efforts, and fostered deep resentment among Malian forces. A new investigative report by The Sentry, an investigative research group, reveals that Wagner, which arrived after Mali’s […]
Russia has offered to build a nuclear power plant in Niger, signaling a bold move to displace France’s decades-long dominance in the uranium-rich West African nation. The proposal, announced in July, comes amid escalating tensions between Niger’s military government and Paris, and as Niamey seeks greater control over its natural resources. Despite producing 4% of […]
France has formally suspended a bilateral agreement with Algeria that had allowed holders of diplomatic and service passports to enter French territory without a visa. The decision was published in the official bulletin on August 19, marking the definitive end of a 12-year-old diplomatic privilege and signals a new phase of hardened relations between Paris […]
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met with French President Emmanuel Macron’s Special Envoy to Libya, Paul Soler, on Sunday to review the ongoing security operation in Tripoli and set priorities for the next stage of stabilization efforts. The talks disclosed on August 18 by the Prime Minister’s office, addressed bilateral relations, Libya’s political trajectory, […]
A diplomatic crisis has erupted between France and Mali following the arrest of Yann Vezilier, a French embassy employee accused by Mali’s military government of plotting to “destabilize” the Sahel country. Malian authorities allege Vezilier, whom they claim is linked to French intelligence, was recruiting military and civil society figures to orchestrate a coup. The […]
Mali’s transitional government says it has thwarted an attempted coup, arresting two high-ranking military generals and a suspected French intelligence agent in what it describes as a plot backed by foreign powers to destabilize the state. Security Minister General Daoud Aly Mohammedine announced the arrests Thursday (14 August), confirming speculation that had been circulating for […]
France is set to end diplomatic indulgence with Algeria. This summer, Paris launched a sweeping crackdown on Algeria’s abuse of international norms. President Emmanuel Macron’s suspension of the 2013 visa exemption agreement for Algerian diplomatic and service passport holders, coupled with the activation of the visa-readmission mechanism, marks a turning point in Franco-Algerian relations. This […]
Two men wanted in connection with the violent escape of French inmate Mohamed Amra have been extradited from Morocco to France, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said. Alan Gomes, 28, and Albinou Da Sylva, 38, were arrested in Morocco in February, just one day after Amra was captured in Romania following nine months on the […]
Against the backdrop of worsening ties between Paris and Algiers, French judicial authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for a former Algerian embassy official accused of orchestrating a covert kidnapping operation on French soil. The suspect, identified as a former intelligence officer operating under diplomatic cover, is wanted for “arrest, abduction and unlawful detention […]
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hardline against the Algerian authorities in response for their refusal to accept their deported nationals from France. In a letter sent to his Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, President Macron called on the government to demonstrate “more firmness and determination” in response to the “growing difficulties” Paris faces “regarding […]