Month: July 2026

Mali and Algeria restore ties after 15 months of diplomatic freeze The long-standing feud between Bamako and Algiers has finally reached its conclusion. After more than a year of severed diplomatic relations, Mali and Algeria have officially restored full-scale collaboration, reigniting a strategic partnership that had been frozen since late 2023. This thaw marks a turning point in Sahelian geopolitics, with ripple effects extending across West Africa. The reopening of embassies and airspace signals not just a diplomatic milestone, but a renewed commitment to regional stability. What sparked the rupture?…

From July 6 to 9, 2026, Benin’s health sector underwent a pivotal examination as the Agence Béninoise du Médicament et des autres produits de Santé (ABMed) faced a comprehensive audit by a delegation of eight World Health Organization (WHO) experts. This intensive assessment scrutinized the agency’s regulatory frameworks, operational protocols, and compliance mechanisms, evaluating their alignment with global pharmaceutical standards across critical domains—from drug approvals to market surveillance and post-market safety monitoring. The scope of the WHO evaluation The four-day inspection represented more than a routine compliance check; it was…

Niger launches first defense attaché training program The Nigerien government has inaugurated its inaugural defense attaché and military attaché training program, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s military diplomacy. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of National Defense in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represents a significant leap forward in institutional capacity-building. Strengthening defense diplomacy through institutional training This morning, the State Minister of National Defense, General Salifou Mody, presided over the opening ceremony at the War College. The event kickstarted the first-ever training session for defense…

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission arrived in Bamako over the weekend for an official visit aimed at deepening collaboration between the continental body and Malian authorities while addressing the nation’s pressing security concerns. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated the AU’s unwavering support for Mali despite the country’s suspension from the organisation following the 2021 coup. While Bamako remains excluded from AU decision-making bodies due to the constitutional breach, the union continues to prioritise diplomatic engagement. The AU’s stance reflects its belief that Mali’s stability is vital not only for…