Sahel Region

Resource nationalism and fiscal strain define the economic landscape. Mali is introducing a special mining brigade to curb illegal output and considering fuel tax cuts, while Niger has cancelled gold mining permits and rejected a UK oil licence. Senegal tapped €650mn in undisclosed borrowing to avoid default.

• 6BlackRock and EQT-led group to buy AES in multi-billion dollar deal
• 1Guinea and Emirates Global Aluminium near deal to resolve asset dispute
• 1Senegal tapped €650mn of undisclosed borrowing in bid to avoid default
• 1Belarus offers help with infrastructure projects in Equatorial Guinea’s new capital
• 1China-backed Simandou project boosts Guinea's credit prospects

Inter-state diplomacy focuses on managing border tensions, while domestic and continental political ambitions clash. Mali and Mauritania agreed to reduce tensions, and Chad is calibrating its response to Sudan based on threat levels. Senegal's Macky Sall insists on a UN bid despite a rejection from the African Union.

• 2African Union declines to back Macky Sall's UN candidacy
• 2Chad to respond gradually to Sudan based on threat level
• 2Senegal doubles prison sentences for homosexuality
• 2Guinea orders dissolution of 40 political parties, including three main opposition groups
• 2Senegal's Diomaye Faye reaffirms commitment to his coalition

Security is dominated by cross-border violence from the Sudan conflict and internal militant threats. A drone attack from Sudan killed 17 in Chad, prompting Chad to close its border, and terrorists bombed a bridge in Niger, killing eight. Germany withdrew diplomats from Niger over security fears, and Mali freed 100 jihadists in a deal to stop attacks on fuel trucks.

• 5Drone attack from Sudan kills 17 in Chad, Chadian government says
• 2Eight dead as terrorists bomb bridge in Niger
• 1New tensions on Mali-Mauritania border after civilian abuse accusations
• 1Chad closes border with Sudan amid ongoing war
• 1Germany withdraws diplomats from Niger over security fears

Societal focus is split between a major sports controversy and a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. Senegal is protesting and appealing the decision to strip it of the Africa Cup of Nations title, naming Morocco champion. Concurrently, Senegal has approved a tougher anti-gay law, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

• 14Senegal protests after being stripped of Africa Cup of Nations title, Morocco named champion
• 5Senegal toughens penalties for same-sex acts
• 3Senegal approves tougher anti-gay law as rights groups raise concerns
• 2Senegal star open to returning medals to ease Morocco tensions
• 2New disinformation network targets Sahel alliance states