What's happened
Recent attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso have resulted in significant casualties, with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda intensifying their assaults. The situation raises concerns about the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel region, as military governments struggle to maintain control amid rising violence and political instability.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the recent attack in Barsalogho was described as 'barbaric' by Burkina Faso's Communications Minister, highlighting the severity of the situation. The New York Times notes that the military's reliance on foreign mercenaries has led to questions about their effectiveness, with local populations increasingly frustrated by the lack of security. Meanwhile, the Moscow Times emphasizes the humanitarian impact, noting that the violence has displaced millions and left many without access to basic services.
How we got here
The Sahel region has faced increasing violence from armed groups since the 2012 Tuareg rebellion in Mali. The military coup in Mali in 2020 marked a shift in governance, leading to a series of coups in the region. Burkina Faso's military government has also struggled against escalating attacks from groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
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More on these topics
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Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres.
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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo to the southeast; Ghana to the south