Month: June 2026

Conflict & Crises Mali’s escalating conflict strains Bamako as civilians bear the brunt A new phase of warfare in Mali sees offensives shift from the north to the capital, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable while the junta struggles to regain control. Political Insight June 9, 2026 · 5 min read The shifting battleground of Mali’s long-running conflict Mali now faces a critical juncture as armed groups push beyond traditional strongholds, forcing a confrontation closer to Bamako. The conflict, rooted in the 2012 collapse of the state following a military coup, has…

Significant progress has been noted in structuring the African-led mediation for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was a key outcome of the technical session of the semestral peace process evaluation meeting held June 7-8, 2026 in Lomé, convened by Togo’s Council President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the African Union mediator for the crisis in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region. Following the ministerial phase led by Minister of Cooperation and Togolese Abroad Yackoley Johnson, Council President Faure Gnassingbé chaired the evaluation meeting on Monday, June…

A prominent Malian journalist has been remanded in custody following a court summons, just days after publicly criticizing the ruling junta during a major media forum in Bamako. The detention of Chahana Takiou, editor-in-chief of the biweekly newspaper *22 septembre*, has sparked concerns over press freedom and judicial practices in the West African nation. Legal action under cybercrime law On Monday afternoon, Mr. Takiou was summoned by the prosecutor of Bamako’s cybercrime unit in connection with remarks made during the Panafrican Media Forum, held in the capital from June 3…

In Cameroon, and especially in Yaoundé, surveillance cameras have become essential tools for deterring crime, safeguarding property and people, and improving traffic flow. Since they were installed in key areas of the political capital, residents report a major drop in insecurity. One inhabitant of the Madagascar neighbourhood said: “In our area, we used to live with armed robberies. Criminals would strike at any hour, looting shops, banks and bakeries, then escape without consequence. But since the cameras were set up, these bandits have become much rarer. I thank the authorities…

Algeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting African nations in need through tangible solidarity initiatives. Following the inauguration of a 40-megawatt power plant in Niamey for Niger, Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, alongside Chad’s Prime Minister and Head of Government Allamaye Halina, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a similar facility in N’Djamena. The new plant, another Algerian donation, will deliver reliable electricity to Chad while reinforcing regional energy integration. Just days prior, Algerian officials celebrated the completion of the Gorou Banda facility in Niger, marking another milestone in…