Latest news with #UlfLaessing
DW
28-07-2025
- Politics
- DW
How the Sahel became a smuggling hotspot – DW – 07/28/2025
International criminal gangs have exploited instability in Sahel countries to build flourishing drug and human trafficking networks, while Russian promises of bringing order have so far failed. The bus station in Agadez is very busy. The Nigerien desert city is one of the most important regional hubs. Here, on the northern edge of the Sahel, trade routes between West Africa and the Maghreb have converged for centuries. And the boundaries between legal trade goods and smuggled goods have always been blurred. In particular, the smuggling of people from sub-Saharan Africa who set off for Europe without papers is – at least unofficially – considered the city's main source of income. Bamadou also wanted to make his way to Europe with the help of smugglers. However, the young man from Guinea gave up after a short time. He is now stranded in Agadez and warns other migrants about the increasingly brutal criminal gangs in the desert: "Sometimes they come with baseball bats and just start beating people. Several people even died in a migrant convoy in March. Three Senegalese, two South Americans and ten compatriots from Guinea," he tells DW. In 2015, under pressure from the European Union, the Nigerien government passed a far-reaching anti-smuggling law, sent heavily armed patrols into the desert, and arrested hundreds of smugglers within a few months. But following the military coup in 2023, the new rulers abolished the law. "The new military leadership went through with it just one day after signing a new military agreement with Russia," says Ulf Laessing, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's regional program in neighboring Mali. Laessing believes Russian influence was behind the move. The effects of the new Nigerien policy were swift: just a few weeks after the law was abolished, the smuggling business in Agadez was back in full swing according to the mayor – and is still growing. The picture is similar among Niger's neighbors. In Burkina Faso and Mali, new military governments moved closer to Moscow than Brussels. Over the same time, the regional smuggling industry saw rapid expansion in these countries, particularly in the drugs sector. For example, authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger seized about 13 kilograms of drugs per year by between 2015 and 2020. By 2022, the figure exploded to around 1.5 tonnes – an increase of more than 11,000%, according to reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The latest data from 2024 shows over a tonne of cocaine was seized during a single check on the border between Senegal and Mali. "An absolute record," says Amado Philip de Andrés from the UNODC in Dakar, Senegal. According to de Andrés, the Sahel's location has long made it a strategic place of interest for drug smugglers. The region lies between producers in Latin America and consumers in Europe, which has seen soaring demand for the drug. Criminal networks have historically exploited political instability in the Sahel, but de Andrés says smuggling activities have recently reached a new dimension in terms of quality. "We are seeing increasingly sophisticated technologies. There are underwater vehicles that have half a tonne of drugs on board," he tells DW. Most of the time, the cocaine travels towards Europe through the Sahel overland along routes controlled by rapidly growing local drug networks. "The really big fish in the cocaine business still come from Latin America. But the middle level is now increasingly coming from West and Central Africa," de Andrés adds. The criminal networks have now acquired significant financial power in the Sahel and are laundering their dirty money in major projects throughout the region. This comes against a backdrop of corrupt officials and security forces, particularly at local level. As a result of Europe's dwindling influence, programs to combat corruption and good governance in the Sahel have expired or been put on hold in recent years. "Drug trafficking is giving criminal groups more and more influence over border officials and politicians with leadership positions at local level," says de Andrés. Russian promises of military force to ensure more order in the Sahel and combat criminal networks are falling far short of expectations. "You have to bear in mind that France alone had more than 5,000 soldiers here. Even they couldn't pacify the region. The Russians have perhaps 1,500 in Mali and another 400 in Burkina Faso and Niger," Laessing tells DW. Instead, according to Laessing, the presence of the Russian mercenary outfit Africa Corps has had the opposite effect. "A brutality is attributed to them that has fueled the conflicts even further," he adds. The dynamics between smugglers and jihadists are also changing due to the success of the drug networks. The term "narco-terrorism" is increasingly used in the Sahel. According to the latest Global Terrorism Index, almost half of all victims of terrorism across the world come from the region. Initially, the jihadists tended to be indirect beneficiaries of the drug trade, charging customs duties for trucks or taking money to escort convoys. Now, observers say, some terrorist groups are trying to enter the lucrative business directly. In other regions, the Afghan Taliban have long been active in the opium trade and the Islamic State (IS) in Syria also produced synthetic drugs on a large scale. According to Laessing, European states should therefore try to regain a stronger foothold in the region for their own security interests. But due to other global trouble spots, from Ukraine to Gaza, the geopolitical effects of what is currently brewing in the Sahel are largely overlooked. "People think these countries are not important because they are extremely poor. But this is basically the southern border of Europe," Laessing says.
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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Three Indians abducted in Mali factory attack: What is known so far
Three Indian nationals were abducted during an attack on the Diamond Cement Factory in the western Malian city of Kayes on Tuesday. In response to this, India has urged the government of Mali to take urgent action and condemned the incident as a 'deplorable act'. Here's what we know so far. Attack in Mali, Indians abducted The kidnapping took place on July 1 during a coordinated attack on the Diamond Cement Factory. Armed assailants stormed the premises and took three Indian workers hostage. While no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, the incident coincided with a series of deadly attacks across Mali, raising fears that the hostages may be caught in a broader insurgent campaign. India's response to abduction A day after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the abduction, urging Malian authorities to act 'urgently and effectively' to locate the missing citizens and bring them home safely. 'The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act and calls upon the Republic of Mali to act urgently and effectively to ensure the safe return of our nationals,' the MEA said in a statement. Indian embassy urges caution India's embassy in Bamako is also working closely with local law enforcement and factory management. The Ministry of External Affairs also said contact has been established with the families of the three Indians, who are receiving ongoing support and updates from the mission. The Indian government has issued a safety advisory to its citizens in Mali, urging them to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with the embassy. Background on Mali crisis Mali, a landlocked country in the volatile Sahel region, has been battling armed insurgency for over a decade. Security vacuum in the country has allowed extremist groups tied to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to expand their operations, often targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. Following recent military coups, Mali expelled French forces and brought in Russian mercenaries for support; however, this has not helped stabilise the situation. Militant attack on the same day On the same day of the abduction of Indian workers, al-Qaeda-linked militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for coordinated assaults on military positions in Mali's western and central regions, the Associated Press reported. This also included Diboli, a town situated just across the border from Senegal. Till now, Senegal had largely escaped the extremist violence plaguing the Sahel. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian military spokesperson Col Majo Souleymane Dembélé confirmed that security forces had 'neutralised' 80 attackers in response to the assaults. He did not provide information on casualties among the army or civilians.
02-07-2025
- Politics
Al-Qaida-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
BAMAKO, Mali -- Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. The al-Qaida-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembélé said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Al-Qaeda-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
Jul 02, 2025 08:23 AM IST Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. The al-Qaeda-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions(AP/Representational Image) The al-Qaeda-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembélé said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Also read: Yemen's al-Qaida branch leader threatens Trump, Musk and others Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both.
Toronto Sun
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Al-Qaida-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
Published Jul 01, 2025 • 1 minute read FILE - Mali's Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Maj Gen Oumar Diarra salutes as he inspects the military during an independence day military parade in Bamako, Mali, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo, file) AP BAMAKO, Mali — Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The al-Qaida-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the co-ordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Read More Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembele said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Maple Leafs Ontario Music Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays
