Author: Aïcha Abdou

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is currently confronting its first major test of operational reliability. During the heavy assaults launched in late April 2026 against Malian military positions, neither Burkina Faso nor Niger sent reinforcements to support Bamako. This lack of intervention directly contradicts the Liptako-Gourma Charter signed in September 2023, which explicitly mandates mutual defense and assistance among the three military-led administrations. The coordinated offensives struck multiple locations in northern and central Mali, targeting both the national army and installations linked to foreign partners. Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated…

Football Ligue 1 Tolisso reflects on Lyon’s season despite loss to Lens Despite a heavy defeat at home against Lens in the 34th and final matchday of Ligue 1 on Sunday evening, Lyon secured a fourth-place finish that thoroughly satisfied captain Corentin Tolisso, who led the team admirably throughout the campaign. Lyon’s season concluded on a bitter note, as they were outclassed by a determined Lens side in front of their own fans. Yet, the club’s fourth-place standing in the league table ensures their participation in next season’s European competitions.…

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) concluded their Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Paris FC on the final day of the season. Now, the club shifts its full focus to the upcoming Champions League final after a season filled with challenges and hard-earned victories. As the captain, Marquinhos, addressed the media following the match, he reflected on the team’s performance and the lessons learned before their most crucial fixture of the year. Lessons from the Ligue 1 finale Marquinhos acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized the importance…

The anticipated lunar crescent marking the start of Dhul Hijja 1447 in the Islamic calendar was not sighted over Senegalese skies this past Sunday, leading to a shift in religious observances. As a result, the Tabaski celebration has been officially set for Thursday, May 28, 2026, prompting discussions about lunar observation methodologies across the region. Religious calendar adjustments due to lunar observation Local religious authorities confirmed that the crescent moon, a key indicator for the beginning of the sacred month of Dhul Hijja, remained unseen on May 17, 2026. This…

Nice faces relegation playoff after failing to secure Ligue 1 safety The final day of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season delivered dramatic outcomes as Nice, Le Havre, and Auxerre secured their fates in contrasting fashion. While Le Havre and Auxerre celebrated survival, Nice was left battling for its future in a high-stakes playoff against Saint-Étienne. Following a goalless draw against Metz at the Allianz Riviera, Nice finished 16th in Ligue 1 and will now face Saint-Étienne in a two-legged relegation playoff on May 26 and May 29. The clash comes…

Olympique de Marseille is set to host Rennes at the Stade Vélodrome this Sunday evening for the 34th and final matchday of the Ligue 1 season. This encounter carries significant weight, with OM currently sitting in 6th place, just behind their 5th-placed rivals, Rennes. The game is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM. The closing day of the championship arrives with a heavy mood in Marseille. Following a difficult stretch for the home side, the attendance at the Stade Vélodrome might be sparse for this fixture against Rennes. The usual…

In the complex and ever-evolving political landscape of Mali, Alghabass Ag Intalla remains a prominent figure, particularly in the northern region of Kidal. As a key rebel leader, his actions and alliances significantly impact regional stability and the broader African politics. This image captures Alghabass Ag Intalla, a central personality in the ongoing dynamics of West Africa. The intricate web of power and influence in Mali extends beyond any single individual, encompassing various groups and leaders. Notably, the Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (Jnim) continues to be…