AGP Executive Report

Security Update: Jihadist and separatist fighters hit Mali again early Saturday, launching coordinated attacks on army positions in Anefis, Aguelhoc and Gao (north), Sévaré (center) and Kenieroba (south), with a prison also targeted; the Azawad Liberation Front said it was involved, while the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM claimed responsibility for seizing control of multiple positions, as Mali’s army insisted the situation was “totally under control.” Trade & Transport: Mali temporarily blocked Moroccan trucks from entering after attacks on freight routes feeding Bamako, turning some drivers back to reduce the risk of ambushes and abductions. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International warned that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s move to withdraw from the ICC could deny victims truth, justice and reparations, raising fears of deeper impunity. Business & Exports: India and Mali launched an India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, aiming to expand trade beyond commodities as bilateral trade rose to about $326.6 million in 2025–26. Humanitarian Funding: The NRC said Mali is among the lowest-funded humanitarian responses this year, with global aid shortfalls leaving millions without enough support.

Security Update: Mali is facing a fresh surge of coordinated attacks, with the army reporting assaults in five locations early Saturday—Anefis, Aguelhoc, Gao, Sévaré, and the Kenieroba prison—after similar waves in April that shook the military leadership; the Azawad Liberation Front says it carried out strikes, and fighting is reported to be ongoing in parts of Anefis. Regional Conflict Link: The attacks are tied to the same jihadist–separatist network dynamics seen earlier, with the FLA previously partnering with al-Qaeda-linked JNIM in operations that reached Bamako. Governance & Economy: Mali also announced a new state body to regulate artisanal gold trade, aiming to curb undeclared exports and recover revenue from a sector that supports millions of miners. Business & Trade: India and Mali launched an India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, highlighting growing bilateral trade (over $326 million) and cooperation in areas like cotton, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Humanitarian Pressure: A Norwegian Refugee Council warning says Mali is among the world’s lowest-funded humanitarian responses, underscoring worsening gaps for displaced and conflict-affected communities.

Security Update: Mali’s army says coordinated attacks hit multiple northern and central towns and a prison early Saturday, targeting places including Gao, Anefis, Sévaré, Aguelhok and Kenieroba, with residents reporting gunfire and explosions; a Tuareg-led group linked to the Azawad Liberation Front says it attacked Anefis, where government forces and Russian paramilitaries are based, as fighting continued inside the town. Trade & Industry: India and Mali launched an India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako to deepen business ties; bilateral trade reportedly topped $326.61 million in FY2025–26 (+55%), with talks spanning renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining and agro-processing, and Mali pushing for digitised certificates of origin and faster approvals for Indian pharma. Gold Governance: Mali created a new state agency, the Malian Office of Precious Substances, to regulate artisanal gold and curb smuggling after gaps were found between declared exports and what importing countries record. Regional Politics: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally began withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, arguing the court targets African states unfairly.

Sahel Security: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have formally started the process to withdraw from the ICC, submitting notifications to leave the Rome Statute—an escalation of their break with Western-backed institutions and a fresh warning that victims may lose access to war-crimes justice. Gold Governance: Mali created the Malian Office of Precious Substances to regulate and centralize artisanal gold trade after officials found major gaps between declared exports and what importing countries report, aiming to curb smuggling and recover revenue. Regional Trade: India and Mali launched an inaugural India-Mali forum to promote exports, with Mali also flagging a December 2026 investment forum to present bankable projects and position the country as a West African investment hub. Conflict Impact: Mali’s wider Sahel security picture continues to draw attention as analysts warn Islamic State affiliates are shifting from scattered local insurgencies toward a more connected regional network across the Mali-Burkina Faso-Niger area. Tech & Learning: A Mali-based education tech effort, “Robots Mali,” is using AI and translation to produce hundreds of culturally relevant children’s books in Bambara, highlighting growing AI use in African classrooms.

Mali Mining Crackdown: Mali’s government says it has created a new Office of Precious Substances to centralize and oversee gold and other precious-mineral trade, aiming to curb massive undeclared exports blamed for billions in lost revenue. Sahel Justice Rift: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have started the legal process to withdraw from the ICC, with rights groups warning it could deepen impunity for crimes against civilians. Security Update (Mali): The Malian army announced it dismantled two armed-group bases in the Baoulé and Soussan forests, after finding training camps and logistics left behind by fighters. Flood Risk Across West Africa: Heavy rains have killed dozens in the coastal countries (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin), with millions at risk as more downpours are forecast. Tech & Jobs (Mali-relevant region): Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, backing small studios across 32 countries to scale and reach global audiences.

Mali Security: The Malian army says it dismantled two armed-group bases in the Baoulé and Soussan forests during simultaneous special operations, finding a training camp and logistical gear left behind as fighters fled, followed by sweeps to stop returns. ICC Fallout for the Sahel: Amnesty warns that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s formal Rome Statute withdrawal will deny victims truth, justice and reparations, arguing the move deepens impunity for war crimes and rights abuses. Rights Pressure in the Region: The UN announced it will close its human rights office in Burkina Faso after authorities indefinitely suspended operations, cutting off one of the few independent monitoring channels. Local Livelihoods in Mali: Qatar Charity’s Mali branch delivered sewing workshops, training and equipment to 68 beneficiaries to support small businesses and jobs. Flood Risk Across West Africa: Heavy rains have killed dozens in the coastal region (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin), with millions at risk—while Mali’s rainy season peaks later in the year.

Malian Security: The Malian army says it dismantled two armed-group bases in the Baoulé and Soussan forests through simultaneous special operations, finding a training camp and logistical materials after fighters fled; troops then swept the area to stop militants returning. Civic Space Under Pressure: Mali’s media regulator suspended the popular radio phone-in show Allô Klédu for two months, saying it had become a platform for criticism of the government and amounted to defamation under the press law—another sign of shrinking public debate. Humanitarian Risk From Weather: Heavy rains are driving deadly flooding across West Africa, with reports of dozens of deaths in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and warnings that millions across the region are at risk as the rainy season continues. Local Livelihoods Support: Qatar Charity’s Mali branch delivered sewing workshops, training, and equipment to help low-income women and youth start or sustain small tailoring businesses.

Malian Media Crackdown: Mali’s High Authority for Communication has suspended the popular radio phone-in show “Allô Klédu” for two months, saying it became a platform for listeners to criticize the government and amounted to defamation—another sign of shrinking civic space and pressure on independent media. Civilians Hit in Northern Mali: An airstrike near Mali’s border with Niger killed eight civilians traveling to a weekly fair near Inkadewane, including a vaccination program official, as Mali and Russian Africa Corps operations intensify. Sahel Justice Rift: Niger has begun the formal process to withdraw from the ICC, accusing the court of “selective justice”; Mali and Burkina Faso have also announced plans to leave, raising fresh concerns for victims of alleged abuses. Regional Security Talk: Ghana’s Prof. Kwesi Aning says Ghana is positioned to lead a new West Africa security reset amid shifting blocs and instability, with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger at the center of the crisis. Humanitarian Weather Watch: Heavy rainfall and flooding have killed dozens in Ivory Coast and Ghana, with millions at risk along the Gulf of Guinea coast.

Mali Security & Rights: Human Rights Watch reports that Mali’s armed forces and allied militias have committed “serious abuses” against civilians amid renewed fighting, as violence tied to JNIM and Tuareg factions intensifies. Internal Military Crackdown: Mali’s junta has arrested at least 45 soldiers, including two generals, in a coup-plot crackdown that signals deep fractures inside the military leadership. Cross-Border Strike: An airstrike near Mali’s border with Niger killed eight civilians traveling to a weekly fair, including a regional vaccination program official, underscoring how insecurity is spreading beyond frontlines. Drones on the Battlefield: Russian forces supporting Mali’s junta have begun using FPV kamikaze-style drones against rebel positions in the north, reflecting a shift toward faster, low-cost drone tactics. Travel Advisory Update: The U.S. State Department lists Mali as a Level 4 “do not travel” country, citing life-threatening risks.

Civilians Under Fire in Mali: Human Rights Watch says Mali’s armed forces, allied militias, and Islamist fighters committed “serious abuses” against civilians, including killings, burning of vehicles, drone strikes, and abusive counterinsurgency against Fulani communities, warning that impunity is fueling a repeating cycle. Internal Crackdown in Bamako: Reports say at least 45 Malian soldiers, including two generals, were arrested over a suspected coup plot to destabilize the junta—signaling deeper fractures inside the military leadership. Northern Mali Strike: An airstrike near the Mali–Niger border killed eight civilians traveling to a weekly fair near Menaka, with victims including a health program official, as the junta and Russian-linked auxiliaries intensify operations. Regional Justice Rift: Niger has begun the process to withdraw from the ICC, accusing the court of “selective justice,” and joining Mali and Burkina Faso in challenging the international criminal system.

Human Rights in Mali: Human Rights Watch says Mali’s warring parties committed “grave abuses” against civilians, including killings by JNIM, burning of civilian vehicles, and abusive counterinsurgency operations against Fulani communities, plus two apparent drone strikes that killed children and adults. Sahel Security & Accountability: HRW warns that fighting has resumed familiar patterns and calls for independent investigations as impunity fuels a cycle of harm. Diplomacy Shock in the Sahel: Burkina Faso severed ties with France, accusing “neo-colonial ambitions” and support for terrorism; France says the move is “hostile and unfounded” and is considering reciprocal measures, with Mali and Niger also accusing Paris of backing attacks. Migration Pressure in Europe: Spain’s mass regularisation drive is nearing its deadline, and NGOs urge applicants—including people from Mali—to submit even if documents are incomplete, as technical and consular hurdles risk rejection. Mali in the Travel Spotlight: A U.S. travel advisory lists Mali as a Level 4 danger zone, citing unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism.

Human Rights Watch on Mali abuses: HRW says Mali’s warring parties are committing serious rights abuses against civilians as fighting flares again, including killings and burning of civilian vehicles by JNIM, abusive counterinsurgency against Fulani communities, and two apparent drone strikes that killed adults and children. Mali security and accountability: HRW reports long-standing impunity and calls for UN and African Union support for independent investigations. Mali-linked migration pressure: Spain’s mass regularisation drive is nearing its deadline, with NGOs urging migrants—including people from Mali—to apply even if documents are missing, warning many could still be rejected. Mali business and mining: Toubani Resources will buy a 19.9% stake in Avanti Gold via a share swap, while Avanti’s Misisi project in the DRC is positioned as “open for business” for gold development. Regional gold refining push: Guinea plans a regional gold refining hub, aiming to process bullion locally and keep more value in West Africa.

Human Rights Watch on Mali: HRW says fighting since April has seen serious abuses by Islamist fighters, Malian forces and Russian Africa Corps allies, including attacks on civilians, looting and executions, and calls for UN and African Union support for independent investigations. Sahel bloc coordination: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s AES held talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic cooperation and diplomacy as they move further away from ECOWAS. Mali’s telecom reversal: Mali regains control of SOTELMA in a $277m deal, ending a 17-year privatization and reshaping the country’s strategic communications landscape. Energy connectivity for Mali: AfDB signed key implementation contracts tied to the 225kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to strengthen grid reliability and regional electricity trade. Governance and rights debate: A wider regional rights story highlights how laws across West Africa are tightening around LGBTQI+ freedoms, with Mali named among countries facing similar pressures.

Mali Telecom Deal: Mali has regained control of SOTELMA in a $277 million agreement, reversing a 17-year privatization and signaling a push to bring strategic services back under national control. Sahel Bloc Coordination: The AES confederation (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) held talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic cooperation, and diplomacy as the bloc prepares for future engagement with ECOWAS. West Africa Humanitarian Pressure: UN data shows Nigeria received $247.3m in 2026 humanitarian funding so far, with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and others also covered—highlighting how funding gaps can shape regional stability. Clean Cooking Crisis: A new IEA report warns nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking, with the number rising toward 1 billion by 2027—an urgent health and environment issue for the Sahel. Gold Value Chain Debate: A report on Africa’s gold economy says the continent holds about 40% of global reserves but often exports unrefined gold, keeping profits and refining value elsewhere.

Mali’s Telecom Comeback: Mali regains control of SOTELMA in a $277 million deal, reversing a 17-year privatization and signaling a push to bring strategic services back under national hands. Sahel Bloc Coordination: The AES confederation (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) holds talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic cooperation, and a common diplomatic stance ahead of ECOWAS engagement. Energy Connectivity: The AfDB moves forward on the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection, signing key implementation contracts under the Desert to Power push for wider electricity access across the Sahel. Gold Value Fight: A new look at Africa’s gold economy highlights how much wealth is still captured abroad through exporting and limited local refining—an issue Mali and other producers are trying to change. Clean Cooking Pressure: An IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose ground on clean cooking access, with health and environmental costs rising as population growth outpaces progress.

Mali Energy & Power: Timbuktu’s power plant has been shut down since June 19 after fuel shortages, leaving the city without running water and electricity for about a week as attacks on fuel convoys continue. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) met in Ouagadougou (June 23–25) to align security, economic integration and diplomatic positions ahead of future ECOWAS consultations, even as Burkina Faso moves to sever ties with France. Justice & Sovereignty: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are pushing back against the International Criminal Court, with Niger formally requesting withdrawal and legal experts warning victims may lose an external route to accountability. Women’s Sports: CAF launched the countdown to WAFCON Morocco 2026, expanding the tournament to 16 teams and setting opening fixtures for late July. Energy Access: A new IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could miss clean cooking targets, with the number of people without access expected to exceed 1 billion by 2027.