Sahel

Will Greek army serve as France's new mercenary force in Africa?

Greek forces could be deployed in Africa under last week's deal, which has been described by the government as historic but drawn massive criticism from the opposition parties as the move could expose Greece to numerous threats.

Several soldiers killed in central Mali attack

Sixteen soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in an attack that occurred near the village of Bodio in central Mali, local officials said.

Why are tensions escalating between France and Algeria?

President Macron finds it difficult to grasp why Algerians are still anti-French when France is yet to apologise to them for killing and abusing their forefathers during the French colonialism.

Mali's plan to host Russia's Wagner mercenaries worries Germany

Germany warns Mali's military rulers a deal with the notorious Wagner group would "call into question" its deployment in the West African country as part of UN and EU missions.

Children at crosshairs of armed groups in Sahel, says Amnesty

Daesh and related groups are increasingly recruiting and targeting children in the region around Niger's borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Niger attack leaves more than a dozen villagers dead

Suspected militants linked to Daesh terror group kill 17 people and wound five others in the village of Theim of western Tillaberi region, officials say.

Burkina Faso in mourning as militant attack death toll climbs

National flag lowered to half-mast at the parliament, presidency and government offices in capital Ouagadougou following Wednesday’s deadly raid in Burkina’s Sahel region that killed 65 civilians and 15 gendarmes.

Dozens killed in suspected militant attack in Burkina Faso

At least 30 civilians along with 17 soldiers and volunteer defence fighters were killed when a convoy in northern Burkina Faso was ambushed by militants, authorities say.

'Terrorist' attack in southwest Niger kills over dozen soldiers

The soldiers were first ambushed then, as they tried to evacuate their wounded, were hit by an improvised explosive device in the country's southwest, according to defence ministry.

Floods leave dozens dead and thousands homeless in Niger

At least 35 people were killed and 26,500 others were left homeless after heavy floods caused by torrential rains wreaked havoc in the Sahel country.

As France's army shifts gears in the Sahel, Niger takes a more central role

There are concerns, however, that an ill-coordinated drawdown and ad-hoc coalition with fewer soldiers won’t be able to bring security and will significantly affect the various international development projects in the Sahel.

France to pull over 2,000 troops from Africa's Sahel region by next year

French President Macron announced last month Operation Barkhane, a seven-year campaign fighting militants linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh in the Sahel, will formally end.