Mali

English Premier League side Brentford is in advanced negotiations to sign Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré from French club RC Lens for a record €48 million fee, including bonuses and a sell-on clause. The 24-year-old, who joined Lens for €5 million last season, was key to their Ligue 1 runner-up finish. Crystal Palace may also bid, but Sangaré is expected to join Brentford imminently, making it Lens’ record sale and Brentford’s record purchase.

15 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 1, 04:41 PM UTC

Chad announced on July 27, 2026, its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of ineffectiveness and bias against African nations. The West African country submitted a letter to the United Nations to begin the withdrawal process, which takes at least a year. Chad becomes the fourth African country since 2025 to initiate withdrawal, following Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which announced their exits last year. The ICC is already facing significant challenges, including the removal of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over sexual misconduct allegations. The United States, under a campaign to dismantle the ICC's perceived threat to its sovereignty, welcomed Chad's decision. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs called on more of the 125 member states to withdraw from the Rome Statute, citing sovereignty concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:17 AM UTC

An Indian-origin diamond trader, who was kidnapped in Mali, has been released after his family paid a ransom of Rs 44 crore (approximately $5.3 million). The incident highlights the ongoing security risks for foreign nationals and businesspeople in the Sahel region, where kidnapping for ransom is a common tactic used by armed groups. The trader's release followed negotiations and the payment, though details of the kidnappers and the exact circumstances remain unclear. The case underscores the dangers faced by diamond traders operating in conflict-prone areas of West Africa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:52 PM UTC

A major diplomatic incident occurred at the UN Security Council on Monday when US representatives demonstratively left the chamber as France's UN Ambassador Jérome Bonnafont began speaking. The walkout was triggered by French criticism of the US for voting against extending the mandate of UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk. France had compared the US to North Korea, stating that Washington 'stands isolated alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali, and Russia' and that 'the world no longer listens to them.' US diplomat Dan Negrea condemned the French remarks as 'hypocritical grandstanding' and said the US left because France was lecturing on topics unrelated to international peace and security, such as human rights. The meeting was originally convened to discuss the war in Ukraine. Both France and the US are permanent members of the Security Council with veto power.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:13 PM UTC

Malian footballer Moussa, a center-back for Málaga CF, has suffered a new injury—a soleus muscle strain in his right leg—confirmed by medical tests after he reported discomfort. The injury will sideline him for several weeks, adding to a long history of physical setbacks since September 2022, including a fractured fifth metatarsal, a grade II knee ligament rupture, and an ankle sprain. He last played for Málaga's first team in October 2024. The club now has five other center-backs available, reducing the likelihood of a loan move for Moussa, who remains under contract until 2028. The player posted a motivational message on social media, saying 'It's not the end, it's just a part of the journey.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:13 PM UTC

Málaga CF center-back Moussa has suffered a new injury, confirmed by medical tests after experiencing discomfort. The Malian defender has a soleus muscle injury in his right leg that will sideline him for several weeks. This adds to a long history of injuries since September 2022, including a fractured fifth metatarsal, a grade II knee ligament rupture, and an ankle sprain. Moussa last played for Málaga's first team in October 2024. He has two years remaining on his contract, but the injury reduces the likelihood of a loan move. Málaga currently has five other center-backs available. The player posted on social media that 'this is not the end, it's just a part of the journey.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:13 PM UTC

Malian football and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard are in mourning following the death of former midfielder Kalilou Traoré at the age of 38 in a car accident. The club expressed deep sadness and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. Traoré, a 17-time Malian international who participated in the Africa Cup of Nations, played for Sochaux from 2012 to 2014, making 11 Ligue 1 appearances. He joined Sochaux after a notable stint at Danish club Odense, where he played in the Europa League. His career was cut short in 2014 at just 26 years old due to a serious knee injury. The news was confirmed by FC Sochaux-Montbéliard via an official statement on July 26, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:37 PM UTC

The 14th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off July 26, 2026, in Morocco, running through August 16 after a postponement from March due to organizational issues. Expanded from 12 to 16 teams for the first time, the tournament features Nigeria as defending champions and record 10-time winners. Morocco, South Africa, and debutants Cape Verde and Malawi compete. Semi-finalists qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:47 PM UTC

Hyderabad police arrested two foreign nationals, Toure EL Hadji Mahamane (49, from Mali with a Cameroon passport) and Tchouanyou Adolphe (62, from Cameroon), for defrauding a local man of ₹20 lakh. The accused convinced the victim they could multiply currency through a chemical process, using black paper and chemicals in a fake demonstration. After receiving ₹20 lakh, they packed it in a box and instructed the victim not to open it until they returned with a special chemical. When the victim opened the box, he found only white sheets and colored photocopy papers. Police recovered ₹10 lakh in cash, along with fake Indian and US currency notes, chemicals, and black paper. The first accused has a prior criminal record, including a 2025 case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and a 2022 cheating case in Gujarat.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:02 PM UTC

1. FC Kaiserslautern played a 0-0 draw against Italian second-division side FC Südtirol in Sterzing, South Tyrol, concluding their week-long training camp. Despite the lack of goals, coach Torsten Lieberknecht praised his team's attitude, intensity, and defensive work. He singled out new signing Ibrahim Kanaté, a 19-year-old left winger from Mali, for his one-on-one skills and counter-pressing ability, though he noted the youngster needs to manage his energy better. Midfielder Marlon Ritter was substituted as a precaution due to minor issues. The team will have two days off before a longer test match against FC Metz on August 1, where Lieberknecht expects players to handle over 70 minutes of play.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 12:43 PM UTC

1. FC Kaiserslautern ended their week-long training camp with a 0-0 draw against Italian second-division side FC Südtirol in Sterzing, in front of 2,000 spectators. Despite the lack of goals, coach Torsten Lieberknecht praised his team's attitude, intensity, and defensive work. He singled out new signing Ibrahim Kanaté, a 19-year-old left winger from Mali, who revitalized the attack after coming on at halftime. Lieberknecht highlighted Kanaté's one-on-one ability and counter-pressing, but cautioned that the youngster still needs to learn energy management. Center-back Jacob Rasmussen noted the team's progress in defense but lamented the failure to score. Marlon Ritter was substituted as a precaution due to minor issues. The team will have two days off before a more serious test against FC Metz on August 1, where playing time will be extended to 3x45 minutes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 12:43 PM UTC

Bellingcat has geolocated and verified footage showing Shahed-136 type kamikaze drones in operation during attacks on two villages in northern Mali: Inafarak on July 12, 2026, and Talahandak on July 17, 2026. The analysis uses satellite imagery, social media footage, and expert assessment to confirm the drones' presence. Experts, including Leo Jarry of Tungsten Strategies and independent weapons researcher Trevor Ball, identified an MD-550 engine consistent with the Shahed-136 family. While the exact variant is unconfirmed, experts suggest the drones were likely manufactured in Russia, given the deployment of the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps group and broader Russian military support to Mali. The strikes hit a commercial facility in Inafarak, destroying buildings and damaging a truck and fuel drums. This provides some of the clearest open-source evidence to date of Russian drone deployment in the Mali conflict, which has been ongoing since 2012.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:39 PM UTC

Bellingcat has geolocated and verified footage showing Shahed-136 type kamikaze drones in operation in Mali, providing some of the clearest open-source evidence of their deployment. Two strikes were confirmed: one in the village of Inafarak on July 12, 2026, and another in Talahandak on July 17, 2026. The footage shows the aftermath of the strikes, including wreckage with an engine consistent with the Shahed-136 family. Experts told Bellingcat the drones were likely manufactured in Russia, given the presence of the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps group and broader Russian military support to Mali. The strikes targeted commercial facilities near the Algerian border. This marks the first verified footage of Shahed-136 type drones in flight and hitting targets in Mali, following earlier reports of drone debris in the country.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:39 PM UTC

Bellingcat has geolocated and verified footage showing Shahed-136 type kamikaze drones in operation during attacks on two villages in northern Mali: Inafarak on July 12, 2026, and Talahandak on July 17, 2026. The investigation used satellite imagery, social media footage, and expert analysis to confirm the strikes. Experts stated the drones were likely Russian-manufactured, given the presence of the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps group and broader Russian military support to Mali. The footage provides some of the clearest open-source evidence to date of these drones being deployed in the Sahel conflict. The strike in Inafarak hit a commercial facility, and engine remnants consistent with the Shahed-136 family's MD-550 engine were identified. The report builds on earlier claims by Defence Blog and France 24, providing verified visual confirmation of the drones in flight and hitting targets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:39 PM UTC

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the three countries forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have announced their joint bid to co-host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The football federation heads of the three nations participated in a working session with CAF President Patrice Motsepe in New York on July 22, 2026, as part of the bidding process launched by CAF. The Malian Football Federation stated this is a decisive step allowing them to proceed with CAF regulations for the tournament award. Motsepe welcomed the regional cooperation initiative but emphasized that security issues must be addressed, given the severe jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region. Burkina Faso hosted AFCON in 1998, Mali in 2002, while Niger has never organized the competition. The three countries are led by military juntas pursuing sovereignist policies and face deadly attacks from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:42 AM UTC

Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy revealed on his podcast that French midfielder N'Golo Kanté initially wanted to play for Mali, his parents' country of origin, before being persuaded to join France. Vardy recalled that during their time at Leicester, Kanté hesitated, but teammates advised him that France would win the World Cup. Kanté eventually debuted for France in March 2016, went on to win the 2018 World Cup, two Premier League titles, and finished fifth in the 2021 Ballon d'Or. Vardy also shared an anecdote about Kanté's humility, noting he kept his old Mini Cooper even after moving to Chelsea, eventually giving it to his parents.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:38 PM UTC

English striker Jamie Vardy, former teammate of N'Golo Kanté at Leicester City, revealed on a podcast that the French World Cup-winning midfielder initially wanted to represent Mali internationally to honor his father's roots. Vardy said he and other teammates convinced Kanté he would win the World Cup with France, which proved prophetic as Kanté became a key figure in France's 2018 World Cup victory. The 35-year-old midfielder has 69 caps and two goals for France, also finishing runner-up at Euro 2016 and winning the Nations League in 2021. Vardy also shared an anecdote about Kanté giving his Mini Cooper to his parents in their village and buying another after teammates mocked him.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:24 PM UTC

According to a Washington Post report citing current and former U.S. officials, President Trump is considering launching military strikes against an al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group in Mali. The report highlights internal disagreement among top U.S. officials regarding the proposed attack. Sebastian Gorka, the National Security Council's senior director for counterterrorism, is noted as a key figure in the deliberations. The potential strikes would target a group linked to al-Qaeda operating in the Sahel region, reflecting ongoing U.S. counterterrorism concerns in West Africa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:30 PM UTC

In a podcast, former Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy revealed that N'Golo Kanté initially wanted to represent Mali internationally to honor his father's roots, rather than France. Vardy and other teammates convinced Kanté that he would win the World Cup with France, which he did in 2018. Kanté, now 35 and playing for Fenerbahçe, went on to earn 69 caps for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League, and was also called up for the 2026 World Cup. The revelation sheds light on Kanté's personal dilemma early in his career.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:07 PM UTC

Jamie Vardy, former Leicester City teammate of N'Golo Kanté, revealed on his podcast that the French midfielder initially hesitated to play for France and considered representing Mali, his parents' country of origin. Vardy recounted that Kanté wanted to play for Mali for his father, but France called him first. Vardy and others at Leicester urged Kanté to choose France, predicting they would win. Kanté went on to earn 69 caps, win the 2018 World Cup, and achieve Premier League titles. Vardy also shared an anecdote about Kanté's famous Mini Cooper, noting that despite moving to Chelsea, Kanté kept the car and later sent it to his parents.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:01 PM UTC

This article profiles French footballer N'Golo Kanté, born in 1991 in Rueil-Malmaison. It covers his career from training at Suresnes and Boulogne, professional debut at SM Caen, to Premier League titles with Leicester (2016) and Chelsea (2017), and Champions League victory (2021). Kanté won the 2018 World Cup with France. The article also reports Jamie Vardy's revelation that Kanté initially hesitated to play for France, considering Mali. It aggregates multiple stories: Kanté's transfer saga involving Fenerbahçe and Al-Ittihad, his potential return to Ligue 1, and his role in France's 2026 World Cup campaign, including a probable lineup against Ukraine and his modest arrival at Clairefontaine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:01 PM UTC

The Trump administration is reportedly considering military strikes against JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Mali, according to U.S. officials speaking to The Washington Post. This would mark the eighth country targeted by U.S. military action during Trump's second term, following Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. The administration has also conducted 66 strikes against small watercraft in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 221 people in a drug interdiction effort. National Security Council senior director Sebastian Gorka is a leading advocate for the Mali operation. However, regional experts like Wassim Nasr of the Soufan Center argue that military force has failed in the Sahel, noting that French and Russian interventions have worsened the situation. Nasr recommends conflict resolution through negotiations between Mali's government and JNIM instead.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:31 PM UTC

The football federations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have formally expressed their intention to jointly host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Officials from the three countries met with CAF President Patrice Motsepe in the United States to present a joint declaration of interest. The Malian and Nigerien federations issued statements confirming the bid, while Burkina Faso has not yet commented. The three nations are members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a defense pact formed by military juntas after recent coups. Mali hosted AFCON in 2002, Burkina Faso in 1998, while Niger has never hosted. The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament will shift from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule starting in 2028.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:14 PM UTC

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, three Sahel nations led by military governments and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The announcement follows CAF opening applications for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions. The Malian Football Federation stated the bid is based on solidarity, regional integration, and sustainable development. CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the three countries will not be disadvantaged due to their military juntas but emphasized that safety, security, democracy, and free movement of fans are non-negotiable. The security situation in the region remains unstable due to jihadist attacks, and the governments have shifted away from Western partners toward Russia. A preliminary meeting was held in New York ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. Burkina Faso (1998) and Mali (2002) have previously hosted Afcon individually.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:11 PM UTC

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed confidence that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will be a 'huge success' despite ongoing challenges. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, Motsepe praised the work of the three host countries' heads of state but did not elaborate on specific difficulties. Concerns remain over the construction of the new 60,000-seat Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi and renovation of the Moi International Sports Centre, as CAF has not yet officially confirmed the venues. Qualifying matches begin in September and conclude in March, with 24 teams competing. This will be the last AFCON under the current format, as the tournament will shift to a four-year cycle starting with the 37th edition in 2028. Bids for 2028, 2032, and 2036 are open, with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso jointly expressing interest in hosting the 2032 edition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:20 PM UTC

Córdoba CF has re-signed midfielder Yussi Diarra on a season-long loan from Cádiz CF with a purchase option. The Malian player, beloved by fans during his previous two seasons in Primera Federación, was presented to the media and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute more than before. Diarra noted improvements at the club and emphasized the importance of unity in the dressing room. He stated the primary objective is survival in the Liga Hypermotion before aiming higher. Reflecting on his past decision to leave for Tenerife, he said he does not regret it but is focused on the present. Diarra acknowledged coach Iván Ania's trust and the need to earn his place through performance. He also discussed his maturation as a player and person since his first arrival from Bilbao Athletic, and drew lessons from a difficult season with Cádiz.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:32 AM UTC

The delayed 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is set to begin on July 26 in Morocco, hosted for the third consecutive time. Originally scheduled for March-April, the tournament was postponed by CAF just 12 days before its start due to unforeseen circumstances. The expanded 16-team tournament features 34 matches across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, culminating in the final on August 16. This edition doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists securing automatic spots. Defending champions Nigeria, record 10-time winners, are in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. Hosts Morocco face Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya in Group A. South Africa, the 2022 champions, lead Group B, while Ghana heads Group D. The article provides full group details, kick-off times, and venue information.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:30 AM UTC

The International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism (AILCT) in Ivory Coast trains security forces from across West Africa to counter the growing terrorist threat in the Sahel region. The article describes realistic training exercises, including hostage scenarios and bomb disposal, and highlights evolving extremist tactics such as booby-trapping buildings and the rise of 'narco-terrorism' linking drug trafficking to terrorist financing. More than half of global terror deaths now occur in the Sahel. Recent attacks in Mali and Niger killed dozens of soldiers. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that the crisis is spreading to coastal states. The academy, founded after a 2016 attack, is described as one of the West's last prestige projects in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:24 AM UTC

Malian striker Lassine Sinayoko, 26, has refused to train for AJ Auxerre after the club reneged on a written promise to let him leave if a suitable offer arrived. Paris FC submitted a €7-8 million bid, but Auxerre’s president now claims the signed document has no legal value. Sinayoko, who scored 12 Ligue 1 goals last season, feels betrayed and is pushing for a transfer amid interest from Premier League clubs.

18 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:43 AM UTC

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) made the first visit by a German foreign minister to Mauritania in nearly 20 years, meeting his counterpart Mohamed Merzoug in Nouakchott. Wadephul declared Germany's intention to be an 'important, reliable, and stable partner' for the desert state, which is seen as a rare anchor of stability in the volatile Sahel region. The visit comes amid growing security concerns after a deadly jihadist attack in neighboring Mali killed over 50 soldiers. Mauritania has taken in approximately 320,000 refugees from Mali. Wadephul pledged German support through UN funds and development aid for refugee-hosting communities. Merzoug requested German assistance in security and defense training, infrastructure investment, and renewable energy cooperation, including potential green hydrogen exports. However, the article notes that Mauritania's record on press freedom remains poor, casting a shadow on the partnership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:20 PM UTC