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.
Tag: Mali
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.
North Africa
Jihadist militant sent to ICC in Timbuktu attacks
An Ansar Dine militant was turned over to the International Criminal Court, accused of destruction of religious monuments and other war crimes committed in Timbuktu.
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.
North Africa
Mali: ceasefire with Tuareg rebels breaking down
Fighting erupted between Tuareg militias in northern Mali, breaking the ceasefire and threatening peace talks scheduled to resume this week in neighboring Niger.
North Africa
‘Narco-jihadist’ threat seen in North Africa
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and related networks are said to control Saharan smuggling routes for Moroccan hashish to fund their regional operations.
Africa
Ivory Coast fights Ansar Dine along Mali border
Ivory Coast sent troops into Mali after Islamist militia Ansar Dine staged a series of raids along the border between the two countries, briefly seizing several towns.
Europe
Spain: some justice for Jews; Moors have to wait
A new law allows for the return of Jews descended from those expelled from Spain in 1492, but no such effort is being made for descendants of the Moors exiled that year.
North Africa
Mali: Tuareg rebels demand autonomous Azawad
Mali's government is boasting a deal with Tuareg leaders granting autonomy to the northern homeland of Azawad—but the biggest rebel factions are holding out for more power.
North Africa
Mali: Tuareg autonomy at issue in new fighting
UN "peacekeepers" have been drawn into fighting between Tuareg separatist rebels and pro-government paramilitaries as northern Mali remains divided.