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South African judiciary confirms continued detention for Kemi Seba
29Apr By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments
International, News, Politics, Top Stories

South African judiciary confirms continued detention for Kemi Seba

The Franco-Beninese activist Kemi Seba will remain in custody following a recent judicial decision in Afrique du Sud. During the hearing held on Wednesday, April 29, the South African legal system chose to uphold his incarceration, dismissing the arguments presented by his legal counsel. Faced with two international arrest warrants issued by Bénin and a diplomatic passport deemed legally insufficient, the leader of the Urgences Panafricanistes movement saw his request for release denied. The proceedings, which prioritized legal rigor over political theater, have been adjourned until May 11. A definitive judicial ruling Despite his supporters' expectations for a release on bail, the presiding judge ordered that Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, widely known as Kemi Seba, stay behind bars....
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Russia’s security role in Mali and the Sahel under the spotlight
29Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Russia’s security role in Mali and the Sahel under the spotlight

Following a series of intense raids on Malian Armed Forces installations, the nation's military leader, Assimi Goita, announced on Tuesday that the government has the situation "under control." This stability is reportedly bolstered by Russian aerial assistance, which prevented insurgent groups from seizing strategic locations, including the presidential headquarters in Bamako.Despite these assurances, the security landscape in Mali remains precarious. The administration is struggling to reclaim territory from Tuareg rebels and al-Qaeda-affiliated militants, who have threatened a complete blockade of the capital city.Recommended Stories‘Very dire’: What to know about ongoing coordinated armed attacks in MaliRival armed groups join forces against the Malian state: What next?Timeline: How Ma...
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Mali thanks outgoing belgian football coach
29Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Mali thanks outgoing belgian football coach

Mali football federation ends tenure of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet The reign of the "Oncle Tom" era has come to an end. The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) has officially relieved Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet of his duties as head coach of the Mali national team. The decision was announced on a Tuesday evening, marking the conclusion of his 22-month tenure that began in August 2024. Saintfiet’s departure follows the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and an early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), where Mali was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Senegal. Despite these setbacks, the Femafoot acknowledged the coach’s contributions in a heartfelt statement. Femafoot praises Tom Saintfiet’s contributions Newly elected Femafoot president Mahaz...
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Tom Saintfiet steps down as Mali head coach: “a true gentleman”
29Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Tom Saintfiet steps down as Mali head coach: “a true gentleman”

Tom Saintfiet has formally resigned from his position leading the Mali national football team. His departure was confirmed through a letter dated Monday, April 27, which surfaced on Instagram this Wednesday. The Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT), headed by President Mahazou Cisset, released a statement on Tuesday expressing their deep appreciation for his contributions and professional conduct. Reflecting on his tenure, the 53-year-old coach stated that he fulfilled his duties with immense pride and dedication, even when facing significant obstacles. Saintfiet shared his heartfelt thanks with the Malian public for their unwavering encouragement. He also extended his appreciation to the squad, his technical team, federation officials, and state authorities. A special tribute was paid t...
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FIFA tightens football regulations ahead of 2026 World Cup
29Apr By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments
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FIFA tightens football regulations ahead of 2026 World Cup

Major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup following Senegal-Maroc 2025 final The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is implementing strict new measures to prevent extreme on-field disputes during the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. This decisive action follows the controversial incidents that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. On January 18, 2025, in Rabat, players from Senegal walked off the pitch mid-match after a contentious refereeing decision, sparking widespread debate across the football community. In response, FIFA has introduced amendments through the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which will take effect starting the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico ...
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Russian mercenaries face setbacks in Mali as jihadist offensives intensify
28Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Russian mercenaries face setbacks in Mali as jihadist offensives intensify

In a major setback for regional security, the Africa Corps—Russia’s state-backed military contingent deployed in Mali—suffered a humiliating withdrawal from the northern city of Kidal on April 26. Graphic footage shared across social media platforms revealed the mercenaries fleeing in disarray, abandoning armored vehicles and helicopters as they were outmaneuvered by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, and their Tuareg rebel allies from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The collapse came amid a surge of coordinated assaults by jihadist forces, which targeted key military positions across Mali, including the capital Bamako, the strategic town of Kati—home to the junta’s primary military base—and Gao, a former UN stronghold. At least six urban cent...
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Morocco strengthens ties with Mali amid regional tensions
28Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Morocco strengthens ties with Mali amid regional tensions

Marrakech – The Kingdom of Morocco has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to Mali, reaffirming its solidarity before the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) in response to the devastating terrorist and separatist attacks that struck the West African nation on Saturday. During the AU PSC session focused on Mali’s escalating crisis, Morocco’s delegation condemned in the strongest terms the coordinated assaults targeting both civilian and military targets. In a gesture of solidarity, the delegation conveyed deep compassion and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the resilient people of Mali. Morocco’s stance underscored its unwavering support for Mali’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. It also emphasized the urgent need for c...
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Russian Africa Corps forces retreat as jihadist offensives surge in Mali
28Apr By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments
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Russian Africa Corps forces retreat as jihadist offensives surge in Mali

In a development that marks a significant shift in African politics, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps—the successor to the Wagner Group—suffered a major defeat in Kidal. On Sunday, April 26, these forces, allied with the military junta in Bamako, were forced to retreat from the strategic northeastern city. Footage circulating online depicts a humiliating withdrawal, with Africa Corps personnel fleeing under intense pressure from the GSIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), also known as JNIM, and their Touareg rebel allies from the FLA (Azawad Liberation Front). The exit was so disorganized that dozens of armored vehicles and helicopters were left behind for the insurgents, while several Malian soldiers were taken captive following brief skirmishes. Since Saturday, the ...
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C’est quoi le Jnim ?
28Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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C’est quoi le Jnim ?

International Djihad armé au Mali : qu'est-ce que le Jnim ? L'ANTISÈCHE. Le Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Jnim) menace directement Bamako. La capitale malienne pourrait bientôt tomber aux mains de ce groupe djihadiste affilié à Al-Qaïda, qui ambitionne d'imposer un émirat islamique au cœur du Sahel. Explications. Baudoin Moucadel 28/04/2026 à 22:05, Mis à jour le 28/04/2026 à 22:06 ...
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The complete can 2027 qualifiers schedule revealed
27Apr By Harouna OusmaneNo Comments
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The complete can 2027 qualifiers schedule revealed

The journey towards the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 is gradually taking shape, even as some finer details of the tournament remain to be finalized. Before the definitive group compositions are even known, African national teams now have a clear framework to prepare for their qualification campaigns. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has established the key windows for the elimination rounds, outlining a schedule that spans several months and culminates in a final phase hosted in East Africa. This provides crucial early information for participating teams, passionate supporters, and broadcasters alike, as this particular edition promises to be unique. can 2027: key qualification dates confirmed The qualification process for CAN 2027 initially kicked off with a preliminary round hel...
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Massive insurgent offensive shakes Mali as Kidal falls and top officials are targeted
27Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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Massive insurgent offensive shakes Mali as Kidal falls and top officials are targeted

Following a period of intense instability and multiple political upheavals, Mali has been thrust back into a violent armed struggle with potentially devastating results. On Saturday, April 25, a powerful coalition consisting of Tuareg rebels from the Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA) and jihadists from the Groupe de soutien à l'islam et aux musulmans (JNIM), an Al-Qaïda affiliate, executed a massive, synchronized assault across seven key locations. The targets included Bamako and its nearby garrison town of Kati, central hubs like Konna, Mopti, and Sévaré, as well as the northern cities of Gao and Kidal. Notably, Kidal, a strategic stronghold in the north, has reportedly fallen entirely under the control of the insurgents. The attackers utilized sophisticated methods, including suic...
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The fall of Kidal: a major setback for Russia’s Africa Corps in Mali
27Apr By Fati SeyniNo Comments
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The fall of Kidal: a major setback for Russia’s Africa Corps in Mali

The collapse of a strategic stronghold The loss of Kidal, a Tuareg bastion retaken in 2023, represents a devastating blow to Russian operations. Once the centerpiece of Vladimir Putin's military strategy in Africa, the Africa Corps is now facing a crisis that threatens the Kremlin's reputation as a global power. A humiliating exit from northern Mali On Sunday, April 26, the atmosphere in Kidal was one of total defeat. A long line of military vehicles was seen speeding away through the desert dust, pursued by the triumphant shouts of FLA (Front de libération de l’Azawad) rebels. These troops, members of the Africa Corps acting on behalf of the local junta, left the area following a negotiated agreement. However, the terms of their departure were far from honorable. According to reports, t...
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