Tag: Mali

Two Red Cross Workers Killed in Attack in Western Mali

DAKAR—Two Red Cross workers were killed on Wednesday when their car was attacked by unidentified armed men in western Mali, the global humanitarian organization said on Thursday. Armed men on motorcycles opened fire on the vehicle in the region of Kayes, the Malian Red Cross said in a statement. The driver, who was Malian, and…


2 UN Peacekeepers Killed in 6th Incident in Mali in 2 Weeks

UNITED NATIONS—Two U.N. peacekeepers were killed Friday when their armored personnel carrier hit an improvised explosive device in central Mali in the sixth incident in less than two weeks targeting the U.N. mission in the West African nation that has faced a decade-long Islamic insurgency. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the device that killed the…


Bloodshed in Africa: Chinese and Russian Mercenaries Run Riot

Commentary Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Countries around the world were quick to take action, opting to hit Russia with economic sanctions. China, however, refrained from (and continues to refrain from) taking similar measures against Russia. This should come as no surprise. In fact, China appears to be helping Russia…


Mali Expels Envoy of West Africa’s 15-Nation Regional Bloc

BAMAKO, Mali—Mali’s transitional government has ordered an envoy of the 15-nation West African regional bloc to leave the country within 72 hours because of actions “incompatible with his status.” The Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, is pressing Mali’s transitional leader Col. Assimi Goita, who seized power in a coup in August…


French Army Kills Senior al-Qaeda Member, 4 Other Terrorists, in Mali Airstrike

The French military confirmed on Thursday that an airstrike in Mali last week killed a leading senior member and four other terrorists of the African-based al-Qaeda affiliate Katiba Serma. Nasser Al Tergui was spotted by a drone on Oct. 15 while seated in a vehicle carrying five individuals, according to the French military. The vehicle was…


Mali Receives Four Helicopters and Weapons From Russia

BAMAKO—A cargo plane delivered four helicopters, weapons, and ammunition from Russia to Mali late on Thursday, Malian interim defense minister Sadio Camara said. He said Mali had bought the helicopters in a contract agreed in December 2020 to support its armed forces in their battle alongside French, European, and U.N. troops with insurgents linked to…


Lavrov Says Russian Government Not Involved in Mali Deal With Private Russian Military Company

UNITED NATIONS—Mali has asked a private Russian military company to help it fight against terrorists, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday at the United Nations. Mali’s year-old military junta is close to a deal to recruit the Russian private military contractors the Wagner Group, sources have told Reuters, triggering opposition from France, which…


Mali’s Former Prime Minister Arrested Over Corruption Claims

Bamako—Mali’s former prime minister Boubeye Maiga was arrested on Thursday for his role in the purchase of a presidential plane during the rule of ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, his lawyer said. The exact reason for the arrest was not clear, but it was related to Mali’s purchase of a jet in 2014 for $40…


At Least 51 Killed in Mali Village Raids, District Official Says

BAMAKO—At least 51 people were killed when Islamist militants raided three villages in central Mali near the border with Niger, a district administrator said on Monday. Ouatagouna, Karou, and Deouteguef were simultaneously attacked around 6 p.m. on Sunday, according to a note from the Asongo district administrator to the governor of Gao region. The United…


Truck Collides With Bus in Mali, Killing 41

BAMAKO—Forty-one people were killed in a road accident in south-central Mali on Tuesday, when a truck carrying goods and market workers collided with a passenger bus, the transport ministry said. State broadcaster ORTM reported that the truck’s driver lost control after a tyre burst and the vehicle swerved into the path of the bus. The…