Northern Mali town and capital of Kidal Cercle and Region
Niger's military junta has provisionally stripped opposition figure Mariama Djibrine of Nigerien nationality, citing a 2024 terrorism database. The move comes as dissent is sharply curtailed since the 2023 coup. Djibrine chairs a new Sahel-democrats alliance, which launched in Belgium in May 2026 to push for constitutional rule in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Insurgents and Tuareg rebels have coordinated attacks across northern and central Mali, including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare and a Kenieroba prison, with the army saying it has the situation under control while noting ongoing fighting.
Airspace has reopened between Mali and Algeria and ambassadors are to resume duties after a year-long diplomatic rift triggered by a drone incident. Mali says its airspace is open to all civilian and military flights; Algeria confirms the move as ties thaw in a volatile Sahel.
Mali has granted clemency to Yann Vezilier, a French agent accused of destabilising the government, amid ongoing security battles and a deteriorating relationship with France. Paris denies involvement, while Bamako says the act is compatible with adversarial judgments and will see the agent removed from Mali. The move comes as Mali faces renewed jihadist and separatist assaults and as Franco-MMali tensions deepen.