The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) inaugurated a joint military force, the FU AES, in Bamako, Mali, to combat Islamist insurgency and terrorism in the Sahel. This force comprises approximately 5,000 troops from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, focusing on integrated air power, intelligence sharing, and coordinated ground operations. The launch was marked as a historic turning point by Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, highlighting the AES’s commitment to regional sovereignty and autonomy away from previous French and Western military partnerships. The AES also appointed a new leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, during a summit held following the force’s inauguration, which also announced plans for a large-scale military operation.
President Donald Trump announced a significant military strike by the United States against the Islamic State group in Nigeria, citing the failure of the Nigerian government to protect Christians from targeting by militants. In a post on social media, he did not discuss the extent of the damage caused by airstrikes in Sokoto. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged collaboration focused on intelligence sharing and strategic coordination within international law. Trump emphasized that the strikes aimed at IS militants involved in the persecution of Christians and stated the U.S. would not tolerate radical terrorism. Nigeria’s government noted that attacks affect multiple religious groups, not solely Christians.
Legislators in Algeria passed a law declaring France’s colonization a crime, demanding restitution for property taken during the 130-year rule. This 340-to-67 vote has been criticized by France as a “hostile act,” complicating their diplomatic relations despite ongoing cultural and economic ties. The law reflects a broader push for recognition and reparations for colonial-era injustices, covering the period from France’s invasion in 1830 to Algeria’s independence in 1962.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resumed cobalt exports after a 10-month suspension aimed at stabilizing falling prices. The ban, initially set for four months, was enacted to manage market oversupply, particularly from Chinese firm CMOC, which operates significant mines in the DRC. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba stated that the policy was designed to protect national control over resources. Despite rich mineral resources, the DRC remains one of the world’s least developed countries, facing challenges such as corruption and conflict, particularly in regions like North Kivu and South Kivu, while the southeastern Katanga province remains relatively stable.
Residents of Mogadishu voted in Somalia’s first one-person, one-vote election since 1969, marking a significant shift from the traditional clan-based selection of local council members. The election organized by the federal government and supervised by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission involved about 20 political parties. However, it faced rejection from opposition parties, which criticized it as flawed. Notably, it does not include the mayoral election for Mogadishu, whose status remains unresolved due to ongoing political rifts.
In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers have asked for a review of his 2023 defamation trial conviction. The Supreme Court must rule on this plea, which, if accepted, might overturn Sonko’s conviction. He was earlier found guilty of defaming former Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang, which resulted in a fine and a six-month suspended prison sentence that barred him from running in the 2024 presidential elections. Sonko’s legal team claims they have new proof confirming Niang’s involvement in irregular spending, which they believe vindicates Sonko and may resolve his ineligibility status.
Israel announced its official recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing plans to enhance cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland’s president hailed this recognition as “historic,” potentially prompting further recognition from other nations. However, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre rejected the move as an attack on sovereignty, while the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti condemned Israel’s action, affirming their total rejection of the announcement. Somaliland aims to join the Abraham Accords to promote regional and global peace and stability.
Nigerians saw the release of 130 children and teachers on Monday after they were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State a month prior. Initially, 303 students and 12 teachers were reported abducted, but Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago later stated that 230 had been taken, all of whom have now been released. There was no confirmation on whether a ransom was paid, and no group has claimed responsibility, though armed gangs are suspected. Most of the victims were aged between 10 and 17.
Libya’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, died in a plane crash returning from Ankara, Turkey. Alongside him were four others, including military officials. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling it a tragedy for the nation. The Dassault Falcon 50 jet lost radio contact shortly after takeoff, and its wreckage was later found near Haymana, Ankara. An investigation is ongoing, with the Libyan Government of National Unity announcing three days of national mourning.
A helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, killing five people. The incident occurred during a medical evacuation on a popular climbing route, involving two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide, and a pilot. The incident occurred between Barafu Camp and Kibo Summit, at an elevation of over 4,000 meters. The aircraft was operated by Kilimanjaro Aviation, and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority is conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident.
