Tag: Mali

North Africa

ICC takes Mali war crimes suspect into custody

The International Criminal Court announced that al-Hassan ag-Abdoul Aziz was surrendered to the court’s detention center in the Netherlands by Malian authorities. He is accused of crimes against humanity in Timbuktu Ā as de facto leader of the “Islamic police” force after the city was taken over by jihadists in 2012. He allegedly took part in the destruction of the mausoleums of Muslim saints. He is also accusedĀ Ā of participatingĀ in forced marriages involving Fulani women, which resulted in the reduction of women and girls to sexual slavery. (Photo: WikiMedia Commons)

North Africa

Reparations for destroyed Timbuktu shrines

The International Criminal Court found that a former Malian jihadist militant is liable for 2.7 million euros in reparations for overseeing the destruction of Muslim shrines in Timbuktu. In its order, the ICC stressed the importance of cultural heritage, calling the destruction of the shrines “an irreplaceable loss that negates humanity.”

North Africa

New Qaeda franchise escalates Mali insurgency

A new Qaeda-affiliated faction, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), is attempting to re-unify the fragmented jihadist insurgency in Mali's desert north.

North Africa

Mass round-up of migrants in Algeria

Some 1,400 African migrants—including whole families and asylum-seekers—were rounded up by riot police in a series of raids in Algiers, and apparently face summary deportation.

North Africa

Jihadists wooing Tuareg movement again?

With the Tuareg movement divided on whether to accept an autonomy offer from Mali's government, jihadist insurgents seek to rebuild an alliance with the intransigent factions.

North Africa

US builds regional drone base in Niger

The US is investing at least $50 million in a military air base in Niger that will be capable of deploying drones to police the greater Sahara and Sahel regions.

North Africa

ICC hears first case on cultural crimes

The International Criminal Court opened its case against captured militant Ahmad al-Mahdi for destruction of religious and cultural heritage during the jihadist occupation of Timbuktu.

North Africa

Mali: French commando raid targets wrong group?

French special forces carried out a raid in northern Mali targeting the jihadist group al-Murabitoon—but a pro-government Arab militia said four of its fighters were killed.

Africa

Mali: who is behind Bamako attack?

The deadly hotel siege in Mali's capital was apparently ordered by Algerian militant Mokhtar Belmokhtar—who was twice reported killed in military operations over the past two years.

Africa

Counter-revolution in Burkina Faso

The democratic transition begun by last year's popular revolution was aborted by a military coup d'etat in Burkina Faso, sparking street protests in which three have been killed.