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The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Al-Qaida affiliate attacks Mali army bases as junta struggles to contain jihadist threat
An al-Qaida linked group has launched an assault on a Malian army base in Timbuktu, according to military sources and local officials, a day after it claimed responsibility for another attack near the border with Burkina Faso. 'The terrorists arrived today in Timbuktu with a vehicle packed with explosives,' a local official told Agence France-Presse. 'The vehicle exploded near the [military] camp. Shooting is currently continuing.' Residents of the ancient city also told journalists that they had heard gunfire. The news came as the group Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for an attack on an army base in Boulkessi, near the border with Burkina Faso. The Malian authorities are yet to give casualty figures from Sunday's attack, but sources have told Reuters that as many as 30 soldiers were killed. Since 2012, a swarm of jihadist groups including most notably the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and JNIM have been fighting Malian security forces. When Mali's junta seized power in 2020, it cited the deteriorating security situation as a major reason for its coup and promised to act decisively to stabilise the country. Experts and civil society figures say there has barely been any improvement in the situation, while indiscriminate killings by Malian security forces have increased in tandem with the arrival in the country of Russian mercenaries operating at first under the banner of the Wagner group and then Africa Corps. Armed groups have also continued attacks in the Liptako-Gourma region where Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger converge. In February, Human Rights Watch reported 34 people were killed when an armed group ambushed a civilian convoy travelling from Gao to Ansongo in the north-east o Mali, despite the vehicles being escorted by five military pickup trucks. Similar attacks have taken place across the Sahel, which now accounts for more than half of all deaths worldwide from terrorism. Recent attacks have targeted military formations including the 2019 killing of dozens of soldiers at a Boulkessi base and raids on army camps in north-east Nigeria in March. Last July, Malian authorities made the rare admission that 'significant' losses had been suffered after clashes pitting the army and Russian-backed mercenaries against jihadists near the desert town of Tinzaouaten. Since the start of May, more than 400 soldiers have reportedly been killed by insurgents in military bases and towns in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In January, the trio announced their exit from the regional Ecowas bloc – which turned 50 this May – to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), partly to enhance military cooperation.
Libya Review
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Turkey Calls for Unified Government in Libya
Turkey has renewed its call for Libya's rival factions to agree on forming a unified government and holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised that Ankara wants Libyans to build their own roadmap to stability. In an interview with Jeune Afrique on 15 May, prior to the recent violent clashes in Tripoli, Fidan stated that elections without a mature political process may only deepen divisions between the eastern and western camps. He said Turkey is actively working to support the formation of a consensus-based interim government capable of organising elections. Fidan also addressed Russia's military re-deployment from Syria to eastern Libya. 'We talk regularly with Russia and our Libyan partners in the east. Our priority over the last five years has been to avoid military confrontation between east and west,' he said. Fidan warned against further militarisation, noting it would benefit no one. On intelligence cooperation in Africa, Fidan said Turkey works closely with Libya and Algeria in combating ISIS. He also mentioned enhancing defence collaboration with Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso. However, he refrained from commenting on African nations' partnerships with the French-led 'Africa Corps,' stressing each country's freedom in choosing its defence partners. Meanwhile, Turkey evacuated 82 of its citizens from Tripoli amid escalating violence. The Turkish embassy organised transport from the capital to Misrata, followed by flights to Istanbul. The embassy has not announced further evacuations yet. The latest unrest in Tripoli underscores the urgency of political reconciliation and effective governance, as regional and international actors call for de-escalation and unity. Tags: Hakan FidanlibyaLibyan ElectionsTurkey
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Russia's Growing Sahel Influence a Worry for Jittery West
SUPPORTERS of Burkina Faso's leader, Ibrahim Traore, demonstrate their support for Russia in Ouagadougou. The termination of the French and US missions in the Sahel countries was framed as an assertion of sovereignty and independence from erstwhile colonisers and contemporary neo colonial and imperial forces to make it more politically appealing to the citizens of these countries, says the writer. Image: AFP Dr. Sizo Nkala RUSSIAN influence in the Sahel region has been on the rise since the coup wave of recent years. The junta leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger who seized power in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, wasted little time in severing relations with their erstwhile colonizer, France, while embracing Russia. In 2022, Mali terminated the French-led Operation Barkhane, which saw about 2400 French troops withdrawing from the country as the Assimi Goita-led military junta argued that the operation had not been effective in its ten-year battle against the Islamist insurgency. His counterparts, Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso and Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niger followed suit kicking out French troops out of their countries in 2023 citing their failure to stamp out jihadist insurgencies. Public rallies were organized in Niger to add public pressure on the French troops. Rally attendees were waving Russian flags and chanting Russian affirmations. About 1000 US troops also stationed in Niger for counterinsurgency purposes withdrew from the country in 2024 at the instigation of the military junta. The termination of the French and US missions in the Sahel countries was framed as an assertion of sovereignty and independence from erstwhile colonisers and contemporary neocolonial and imperial forces to make it more politically appealing to the citizens of these countries. Seeing an opportunity to establish a geostrategic foothold, Russia, through its proxy mercenary outfit – the Wagner Group (now rebranded the Africa Corps) – swiftly moved to fill in the vacuum promising to deal ruthlessly with the jihadist insurgents riding on the back of its relative success in the Central African Republic (CAR) where it helped to defend the Faustin-Archange Touadera regime against the rebels. The African Corps is fully funded by the Russian state, which makes them an instrument of Moscow's foreign policy in Africa. Russia also relies on its history of supporting anti-colonial liberation movements in Africa to portray itself as a trustworthy partner compared to the West, which cannot shake off the coloniser tag. Moreover, facing Western isolation over the Ukraine war, Russia desperately needed diplomatic allies in Africa. Its active support of and military presence in the three Sahelian states is an attempt to project its power in Sub-Saharan Africa and show its commitment to the peace and security of the continent in the hopes of swaying more African countries to its side in its standoff with the West. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Apart from the diplomatic support, Moscow is also interested in establishing economic relationships with the Sahelian states which boast major reserves in gold (Burkina Faso) and uranium (Niger). Burkina Faso, which has been turning the screws on western mining companies operating in the country, recently granted a Russian firm, Nordgold, an industrial mining license to conduct operations in the Kourweogo province. About 1500 members of the Group arrived in Mali at the beginning of 2022 following an invitation from Assimi Goita to help repel the insurgents, who had wreaked havoc in the West African country since 2017. Goita and his allies had seized power on the promise that they would eliminate the rebels and stabilise the security situation in the country. Soon after it changed its name to Africa Corps, 100 members of the group landed in Burkina Faso to help Traore's government fight the insurgents in January 2024. Niger received its own contingent of Africa Corps a few months later with the same mandate. Thus, Russia has effectively replaced France and the US as an alternative security partner and political patron for the Sahelian states. In addition to the presence of its mercenary company, Russia has also become an important arms supplier for the three countries. Since 2021, Mali has received significant amounts of Russian military equipment including over 100 military vehicles, helicopter gunships, military jets and ammunition. Burkina Faso has received military instructors from Russia to train its security personnel. In a major diplomatic move, the foreign ministers of the three countries travelled to Russia early in April under the aegis of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen the alliance's relationship with Russia. Their meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yielded a commitment by Moscow to support the 5000 strong joint force established by the three juntas to address the security challenges in the region. This force is founded on the mutual defence pact signed by the three countries in 2023. Ultimately, the utility of this new security partnership will be judged on its ability to contain and suppress the jihadist insurgents. Thus far, the new partnership has not made significant inroads in addressing the security situation. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025 report, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are in the top 5 countries most affected by terrorism in the world. * Dr. Sizo Nkala is a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Africa-China Studies. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Russia's Africa Corps set to take over Wagner's role in Central Africa
Russia aims to strengthen its influence in Africa by providing its state-backed military force - Africa Corps - to replace the ousted Wagner group and defend the Central African Republic (CAR). Russia is reinforcing its presence in Africa by deploying its state military force, Africa Corps, in the Central African Republic (CAR). CAR aims to shift from Wagner Group's military aid to Russia's formalized military presence via Africa Corps. This development follows the reorganization of Wagner's activities under Moscow, tightening Russia's control in its African engagements. CAR is expected to ditch its pact with the mercenary Wagner military arm, while welcoming Africa Corps—Russia's official military wing—for the country's protection. This deal would formalize Russia's military presence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including the construction of a permanent base in Berengo, located just 80 km west of the capital, Bangui. The base could accommodate up to 10,000 servicemen for training purposes. In return for security guarantees, CAR would grant Russia significant access to the country's mineral resources. Africa Intelligence reports that the Central African president is being forced to sign a defense deal with Africa Corps, the Kremlin's armed wing, before the end of the year. Africa Corps, operating under the Russian Ministry of Defense, has assumed the roles previously held by Wagner mercenaries, providing security and training to CAR's military forces. However, this partnership has raised concerns due to allegations of human rights abuses and economic exploitation. Critics argue that such agreements may compromise CAR's sovereignty and entrench Russian influence in the region. J. Peter Pham, former U.S. special envoy to the Sahel, told Al Arabiya that the initiative reflects the Kremlin's recognition of an opportunity to expand its influence, particularly following the withdrawal of French-led military forces from the region. ' If it's formalized, especially with the French withdrawal, it's certainly going to be a much more significant and potentially lasting shift in geopolitical and diplomatic alignments. ' he added. Why does CAR need Russia's protection? The Central African Republic (CAR) relies on Russia for protection due to ongoing insecurity and a weak national army. Since the 2013 coup, rebel groups have destabilized the country despite the presence of UN peacekeepers. Russia deepened its role in 2018, aiding President Faustin-Archange Touadéra's government through the Wagner Group in return for access to gold and diamond resources. With Wagner's influence fading, CAR now seeks a formal defense pact with Russia's state-backed Africa Corps, viewing Moscow as a more dependable ally than Western powers. The timing of the agreement is significant, coinciding with President Touadéra's preparations for the upcoming presidential election. While the government views the deal as a means to bolster security, opposition leaders warn that it could further entrench foreign influence and undermine democratic processes. Wagner's waning influence in Africa - The Putin effect The decline of the Wagner Group's autonomy in Africa marks a significant shift in Russia's foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin. Following the death of Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin under controversial circumstances, and the group's reorganization under the Russian Ministry of Defense, Moscow has tightened its control over military operations on the continent. In place of Wagner, the newly formed "Africa Corps" now represents the Kremlin's formal military engagement in countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, and Burkina Faso. Though Wagner's brutal tactics and alleged human rights abuses strained local relationships, their departure has not necessarily meant less Russian control, just a more formal and centralized one.
AFP
06-05-2025
- Politics
- AFP
Disinformation fuels support for Burkina Faso's junta leader in Nigeria
"Nigeria needs someone like Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso. He's doing well for his country," Sanni said. His admiration is shaped by a steady stream of viral videos, memes and social media posts -- many misleading or outright false -- portraying Traore as a fearless reformer who defied Western powers and reclaimed his country's dignity. He has the support of fellow ex-French colonies Mali and Niger, which have turned their backs on Paris in favour of closer ties with Moscow. While critics of Traore have blamed his government for clamping down on freedom of expression, others on social media are casting him in a positive light. "Ibrahim Traore is all the proof Nigerians need to know that a country takes the shape of its leadership," Nigerian actress and politician Hilda Dokubo wrote on her X account. Like Sanni, her assessment underscores the growing influence of a coordinated propaganda campaign sweeping across western Africa -- one that frames Traore as a messianic figure. "This growing admiration for Traore in Nigeria poses serious risks to national security and democratic stability," said Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at the pan-African think-tank Good Governance Africa. "It normalises military intervention as a viable political solution and opens the door to foreign ideological interference." 'Russian playbook' For Nigerians weighed down by hardship, claims that Traore is transforming Burkina Faso into an economic powerhouse resonate deeply. "Traore fits the role perfectly -- young, defiant, and open to Russian cooperation, especially through Wagner-linked security outfits now rebranded as the Africa Corps," said Ikemesit Effiong, partner at Lagos-based consultancy firm SBM Intelligence. Recent posts on Facebook purportedly show a massive low-cost high-rise residential block constructed under Traore's leadership. However, the claim is false. The construction site seen in the videos is a national building project in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria. Across Francophone Africa, similar narratives are gaining traction. In Ivory Coast, a video of Traore at the inauguration of a cement plant in Burkina Faso spread alongside false claims he had announced a drop in cement prices. Months before he was ousted in Niger, former Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum said Russia's Wagner Group had been sponsoring "disinformation campaigns against us" (archived here). Analysts told AFP there are signs of organised, large-scale campaigns using false information to boost the profiles of Sahelian military leaders. The content is produced by "Russian propaganda units and then given to these influencers, through the middlemen, to post on social media," said Philip Obaji, a Nigerian journalist who has analysed Russian influence operations. According to Effiong, this reflects a wider "Russian strategy" in Africa of leveraging social media to influence public opinion, bolster the image of military regimes, and portray Moscow as a more respectful alternative to Western powers. Silencing critics Since the last coup in the region in July 2023 in Niger, Russian flags have become fixtures at pro-junta rallies in the region. At least 90 people flying the same flag were arrested in northern Nigeria during a protest against economic hardship in August 2024 (archived here). Unlike the stable and thriving country portrayed on social media, Burkina Faso has become caught in a spiral of violence that has spilled over from neighbouring Mali and Niger (archived here). Since 2015, regular attacks by armed jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have claimed tens of thousands of lives in Burkina Faso. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, Burkina Faso is the country most impacted by terrorism -- topping the chart for the second consecutive year (archived here). Dissenting voices like journalists have been regularly silenced, detained, or kidnapped in the name of the war against jihadists. Maixent Some, an exiled Burkinabe financial analyst who tracks Africa-linked disinformation on social media, has accused Traore of failing his country and was declared wanted by the junta in April (archived here).
