Fighting resumes in Kati, Mali, near Bamako, between jihadists and army
via SeneNews1 min read
Fighting resumed on Sunday between jihadists and the army in Kati, near Mali's capital Bamako. Kati is a stronghold of the ruling junta. This follows coordinated attacks on Saturday by jihadists allied with Tuareg rebels in several localities. Residents reported to AFP that the clashes restarted across Kati in the morning, with jihadists positioned on a hill above the town. Aviation forces have also become involved in the conflict. Kati was among the towns attacked on Saturday by jihadists from Jnim, who are allied with Al-Qaeda, and Tuareg rebels from the FLA.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The Senegal national football team has finalized an agreement to play a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on June 9 in San Antonio. This match is part of Senegal's preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Before facing Saudi Arabia, the Lions of Teranga are expected to play a friendly against the United States on May 31 in Charlotte. Senegal has been drawn into Group I for the World Cup, alongside France, Iraq, and Norway.
Must ReadA statement by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, made before a correspondents' dinner in Washington, drew attention after a shooting occurred later that evening. Interviewed by Fox News, Leavitt discussed President Donald Trump's speech, which she anticipated would be humorous and critical of the media. She stated, "He's ready for a fight, the speech will be classic Donald J. Trump: it will be funny, entertaining, and there will be some shots fired, tonight in the room." This phrase, intended to describe verbal attacks, took on a different meaning when an armed individual later entered the building, leading to law enforcement intervention and an exchange of gunfire. Leavitt had also encouraged viewers to watch the speech, saying, "Everyone should follow this, it's going to be great, I can't wait to hear the speech." Following the incident, President Donald Trump announced at a press conference that the event would be rescheduled.
Must ReadNine leaders of the Group of Consultation of Political Actors GCAP, a major opposition platform to President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno's regime, were arrested on Saturday and remain in police custody. Hissein Abdoulaye, GCAP spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, which were also corroborated by a judicial police source. The GCAP, comprising 13 political parties and civil society representatives, has consistently challenged elections and advocated for boycotts. These arrests precede a "protest and indignation march" called by GCAP for May 2, which the Minister of Public Security and Immigration has prohibited. The arrests follow a constitutional revision in early October, approved by Parliament, establishing a seven-year, unlimitedly renewable presidential term. This revision, deemed "authoritarian" by the opposition, potentially allows President Mahamat Idriss Déby to remain in power indefinitely. The Minister of Security announced the dissolution of GCAP by a Supreme Court ruling, urging its members to cease activities that could disturb public order. The Transformers party condemned the arrests, drawing parallels to the "arbitrary arrest" of its president, Succès Masra, in May 2015. Masra, a former Prime Minister, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for "incitement to hatred and violence" in a trial Human Rights Watch described as "politically motivated."
Must ReadThe Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in several localities in Mali. In a communiqué released the following day in Abuja, the regional organization described these acts as "heinous" and denounced the violence of their perpetrators, stating that they continue to threaten peace and stability in West Africa. ECOWAS emphasized that these acts demonstrate the barbaric nature of the perpetrators, who continue to jeopardize peace, security, and stability across the entire West African region. In response, ECOWAS called on member states, security forces, regional mechanisms, and populations to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The organization highlighted the necessity of collective mobilization to confront this phenomenon, which impacts the stability and development of the region. ECOWAS also expressed its solidarity with the Malian authorities and population, while extending its condolences to the families of the victims.