-
Recent attacks in Niger and Mali highlight rising militant activity. In Niger, an ambush targeted a military patrol in Tillabéri, linked to Islamic State affiliates. Mali faces a fuel blockade by JNIM, disrupting imports and regional stability. These events reflect growing insurgency in the Sahel region.
-
Mali accused Algeria of supporting terrorism after a Malian drone was shot down over the Sahara, with Mali filing a case at the ICJ. Algeria denies the claim, asserting the drone crossed into its airspace. Diplomatic tensions and regional instability continue to rise.
-
Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, citing concerns over sovereignty and alleging the court acts as a tool of neocolonial repression. The move follows military coups and a shift towards alliances with Russia, with withdrawal taking effect in a year.
-
An Iraqi man has been sentenced to life in prison for recruiting fighters to join the conflict in Ukraine and Russia, with authorities revealing thousands of Iraqis may be involved. Meanwhile, Iraq's political landscape shifts amid ongoing instability and regional alliances.
-
Netflix’s third season of "Monster," titled "The Ed Gein Story," premiered on October 3, 2025, starring Charlie Hunnam as the infamous Wisconsin killer. The series dramatizes Gein’s crimes and their cultural impact, inspiring horror icons like "Psycho" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." While Hunnam’s performance has been praised, critics and historians have challenged the show’s historical accuracy and narrative choices, sparking debate among viewers and experts.
-
Several African nations have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with South Africa returning after 2010, Ghana qualifying automatically, and other countries like Algeria and Egypt also confirmed. Meanwhile, ongoing qualifiers in Asia and the Middle East continue to shape the final lineup for the expanded tournament.
-
China advances its climate goals with a focus on resilience and renewable energy, while the US and Europe face criticism for insufficient action. Meanwhile, global efforts to address air pollution and hunger remain underfunded, highlighting disparities in climate and development priorities amid rising inequalities.
-
Fighters linked to al-Qaeda have intensified a fuel blockade in Mali, severely disrupting Bamako's economy and daily life. Schools are closed, citizens are urged to leave, and the military faces mounting pressure amid ongoing attacks and economic strangulation. The situation risks further destabilization of the region.
-
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for an attack in Nigeria’s Kwara State, killing a soldier and seizing supplies. Meanwhile, in Mali, a fuel blockade worsens security and economic crises, prompting US advisories for citizens to leave. Mali’s political repression continues with the sentencing of opposition figure Mara.
-
On November 16, 2025, Ecuadorians voted against allowing foreign military bases, including US bases, with 61% opposing the measure. This referendum defeat is a political setback for President Daniel Noboa, who supports foreign cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Concurrently, Wilmer Chavarria, leader of the Los Lobos cartel, was arrested in Spain after faking his death and coordinating criminal activities from Europe.
-
Mali has reformed its mining code to increase state benefits amid ongoing disputes with foreign companies. Meanwhile, Ghana combats illegal mining with grassroots patrols, amid economic struggles and environmental damage. Both stories highlight Africa's complex resource management issues today.
-
Jihadist groups in Mali have intensified fuel blockades, disrupting medical services, economy, and security. Western nations advise citizens to leave as the government struggles to contain armed groups and maintain stability five years after a military coup.
-
Between mid-October and late November 2025, armed groups in eastern Congo and Mali have intensified violence. In Congo's North Kivu, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed at least 89 people, including 17 in a maternity ward. In Mali, al-Qaeda-linked JNIM executed TikTok user Mariame Cissé after abducting her. Malian military and allied militias also killed at least 31 civilians in Segou amid ongoing conflict.
-
The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
-
Mali faces escalating insecurity as jihadist groups, notably JNIM, intensify attacks, impose fuel blockades, and cause regional refugee flows. Despite government claims of mitigation, insurgents expand into neighboring Ivory Coast, worsening economic and humanitarian conditions amid regional instability.
-
Mali's military government has suspended French channels TF1 and LCI after they aired unverified claims about security threats and state collapse. The ban follows a report alleging jihadists near Bamako, which the authorities condemned as false and alarmist. The channels have been inaccessible since Thursday evening.
-
The UN Security Council has called for urgent regional action to combat rising terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, highlighting expanding terrorist networks, increasing violence, and underfunded humanitarian efforts. Leaders emphasize the need for cooperation, trust, and sustained international support to address root causes and regional instability. Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2025.
-
Severe drought across East Africa, especially in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan, has led to critical water shortages, livestock losses, and food insecurity. Governments and aid agencies are calling for urgent international support to prevent humanitarian catastrophe, with recent efforts showing some progress in Sudan but worsening conditions elsewhere.
-
Guinea-Bissau's military seized power after disputed elections, suspending the government and arresting President Embaló. The AU and ECOWAS condemned the coup, which follows a pattern of regional instability and political crises fueled by corruption and drug trafficking. The military plans a one-year transition.