Mali
Mali's defense minister reported dead in major al-Qaeda-linked assault
Two explosions and sustained gunfire were heard shortly before 6 a.m. on Saturday near Mali's main military base, and shots were still ringing out in the area more than four hours later.
Gunmen stage simultaneous attacks in and outside Mali capital, army says
Trump bars Palestinians from entering US on PA-issued travel docs
Al Qaeda-linked terrorists kill at least 10 soldiers in Niger, sources say
Mali army killed 31 villagers in attacks on insurgent area, HRW says
Human Rights Watch reported two attacks, one of them with 21 villagers dead, while the other reported ten people killed, including one woman.
UN warns of looming famine in Sudan, Gaza among numerous hotspots
UN agencies warn millions face famine in Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, and other hotspots, calling for urgent funding as global aid cuts leave emergency responses crippled.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announce exit from International Criminal Court
The announcement ended the West African countries' two-decade-long membership in the ICC.
ISIS-affiliated terrorists free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says
Junta-led Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali are battling terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS that have been destabilizing West Africa's Sahel region for more than a decade.
ICC convicts Mali Islamist for Timbuktu atrocities
Judges said Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz played a critical role in the Ansar Dine Islamist group, which took the city on the fringe of the Sahara desert in 2012 and tried to impose sharia Islamic law.
Iran seeks to expand its influence in Africa through weapons trades and chaos - analysis
Iran expands influence in Africa via trade and arms sales, leveraging global chaos. Reports detail its strategies, including partnerships in Sudan and Niger.
Military-led Sahel states rally thousands to support alliance
"From now on, we say, whether you're from Mali, Niger or Burkina, we have the same destiny. We're going in together," said Burkinabe premier Appolinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela
Sahel alliance: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger form new defense pact - analysis
With other African states that are members of ECOWAS considering military operations, several states connected to Niger have rushed to pledge support, many of whom have had coups recently.
Malian duo Amadou and Mariam to perform in Tel Aviv
Their album Welcome to Mali (2008) was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
Niger reopens borders with several neighbors a week after coup
The borders that have reopened are mainly in remote desert areas. Niger's key entryways for trade and commerce remain closed due to sanctions imposed by the regional bloc.
