7 African countries are on Trump's travel ban list. Why?
Chad, Somalia and Sudan have struggled with persistent terrorist threats. But so have Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso -- three African countries run by military juntas that took power in coups -- and none of them are on the list.
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Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wagner Group announces withdrawal from Mali
The Wagner mercenary group announced on June 6 that it was withdrawing its presence from Mali, ending its fight with rebel groups. "Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home," the group, founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on social media. Wagner mercenaries have been fighting alongside Malian government forces since 2021, in attempts to fend off Islamic insurgents. The group said that it was ending its presence as "all regional capitals have returned to the control of the legitimate government," providing little rationale for the group's exit from the war-torn nation. Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers have reportedly suffered heavy losses in their engagements with Tuareg-led rebels. The Russian mercenary group, known for its deployment in Ukraine and short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in 2023, has a strong presence across the African continent, backing Russian business interests and Moscow-friendly regimes. The mercenaries have been particularly active in Mali since late 2021 and has been of perpetrating war crimes and widespread looting. In December 2024, Human Rights Watch accused Wagner mercenaries and Malian government forces of deliberately killing 32 civilians. The so-called "Africa Corps," under the command of Russia's Defense Ministry, who fought alongside Wagner mercenaries, will continue to have an active presence in Mali. Mali broke diplomatic ties with Ukraine over its alleged support of Tuareg-led rebels without providing any evidence of direct cooperation. The step was taken after comments by Andrii Yusov, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson, about the rebels receiving "useful information, and not just that, which allowed them to carry out a successful military operation against Russian war criminals." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry later denied the country's involved with rebel groups. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb; Ukraine targets Russian air bases in 'preemptive strike' We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Russia and Global South shaping multipolar digital future
Tech forum delegates have discussed joint efforts on trade, AI, cybersecurity, and innovation with RT Russia and the Global South have been strengthening ties and expanding digital cooperation in light of new opportunities opened by Western sanctions, according to delegates attending the country's first Global Digital Forum this week. The two-day event, which kicked off on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod, brought together government officials, business leaders, and experts from more than 100 countries, including China, India, and some African nations. Some of them shared their views with RT on the sidelines of the forum, highlighting prospects for collaboration in areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology transfer. "China and Russia are strategic partners and good neighbors," said Zhou Liqun, chairman of the Chinese Entrepreneurs' Union in Russia. He noted that bilateral trade reached $240 billion last year, with China remaining Russia's top food product partner for 15 consecutive years. "Even under sanctions, the number of Chinese companies in Russia is growing," Zhou said, adding "We see the trend of promising cooperation." Sun Tianshu, founder of the China-Russian Platform, pointed out that "many opportunities in the (Russian) market [were] freed up" following the introduction of Western restrictions, allowing Chinese firms to step in. "Trade between our countries has one tendency - growth," he said, stressing that past challenges, including payment issues, had been resolved. "Even if new problems appear, we will be able to solve them," he argued. Indian cybersecurity expert Sunny Vaghela called for closer cooperation in the AI and cyber fields. "Russia is technologically advanced, and India is a hub of tech talent. Why not join hands to make AI and cyber a boom for both countries?" asked the CEO of Techdefence Labs. He added that some Russian companies were ready to come to India to collaborate. African delegates voiced similar interest in digital partnerships, especially in sectors like agriculture, education, and information management. "We came to learn how to bring AI and robotics home to help our people," said Tanzanian expert Henry Nkya. "Russia is using AI to boost productivity - we want to do the same." His colleague Mawazo Mataje emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange. "We're looking at sharing skills, experiences, and cultural understanding between Russia and the Global South," he said. Bangladeshi entrepreneur Mohammad Saber Shah described the event as "a truly encouraging experience," saying he had the chance to meet IT professionals "from around the globe." "This forum acts as a bridge between us," helping identify gaps that can be filled through partnerships. "Russia has long been a friend to Bangladesh - there's now real opportunity for digital collaboration," he said. (
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa draw World Cup warm-ups
JOHANNESBURG: African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa all drew on Friday in warm-up matches for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow. Ismaila Sarr, a FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace last month, brought Senegal level in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. South Africa were unable to maximise home advantage over Tanzania and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in northern city Polokwane. Nigeria and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous edition. In Moscow, an own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. There were no further goals until a blunder by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who understudies Gianluigi Donnarumma at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germanin, gifted Nigeria an equaliser. An intended short pass to a teammate by Safonov from his area was intercepted by Belgium-based Arokodare and he scored on 71 minutes. It was the last of three warm-up matches for the Super Eagles, who won the Unity Cup in London last week by defeating Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Russia have been banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. It was their second friendly match against African opposition this year after hammering Zambia 5-0 in Moscow three months ago. Meanwhile, Senegal fell behind midway through the first half in the Irish capital when Kasey McAteer fired a rebound into the net after his header struck the woodwork. The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions levelled on 82 minutes when Sarr pounced on a weak clearance by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and slammed the ball into the net. Senegal travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo in September for a showdown set to decide which country automatically qualifies for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Polokwane, South Africa had the lion's share of possession, but were unable to break down a well organised Tanzania defence. South Africa came closest to scoring in added time when an audacious lob by substitute Relebohile Mofokeng landed on top of the netting. Zambia were unable to fulfil a fixture against Sudan in Morocco due to a boycott by the national squad over unpaid allowances following the match in Russia.
