Alliance of Sahel States
2026 ISIL attack on Niger Airport
On the night of 29 Jan 2026, ISIL militants launched an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and its adjacent airbase.
Burkina Faso dissolves all political parties
On Jan 29, 2026, Burkina Faso's military-led government, headed by Captain Ibrahim Traore, issued a decree formally dissolving all political parties.
Mali, Burkina Faso issues reciprocal US travel ban
The underlying story is the Sahel’s shift away from a Western-led order and toward Russia, China and other non-Western partners.
Alliance of Sahel States Summit 2025
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) reached a critical milestone in late 2025 during its second official summit in Bamako, Mali.
Mali War: Jihadist’s blockade causes fuel shortage
On Sep 3, 2025, the al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM officially declared a multi-pronged blockade designed to economically suffocate Malian capital Bamako.
Mali military chief granted unlimited presidential term
Mali's transitional parliament officially granted military leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year presidential term renewable indefinitely without elections.
Russia, Mali to strengthen ties on trade, nuclear energy
General Assimi Goïta, the transitional leader of Mali, officially visits Russia in June 2025 to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
Niger breaks with France, inks nuclear deal with Russia
Niger and Russia have recently deepened their nuclear partnership, transitioning from raw material extraction to planned domestic energy production.
Trump issues travel ban for 12 countries
In early June 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reinstating and expanding travel restrictions for 12 countries.
Mali dissolves political parties leading to widespread protest
In May 2025, Mali's ruling military junta, led by General Assimi Goïta, formally dissolved all political parties across the national territory.