Fighting resumes in Kidal, Mali, between Tuareg rebels and Malian army
via SeneNews1 min read
Clashes resumed on Sunday in Kidal, northern Mali, involving Tuareg rebel groups, supported by Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists, against the Malian army, backed by Russian mercenaries. This information was confirmed to AFP by rebel sources and a local official. The Azawad Liberation Front FLA, a separatist movement advocating for Azawad's independence, claimed on Saturday to have taken control of the city after intense fighting. A rebel spokesperson stated, "Fighting resumed in Kidal this Sunday morning. We want to dislodge the last Russian fighters who took refuge in a camp." These statements were corroborated by a regional official.
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.
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.
The Angolan national football team is scheduled to play two friendly matches during the upcoming international window in June. These matches could mark the debut of coach Aliou Cissé at the helm of the team. According to journalist Micky Jnr, Angola will face the Central African Republic and Botswana in these friendly encounters. Both matches are expected to take place in Casablanca, Morocco. Official confirmation from the Angolan Football Federation is still awaited. Aliou Cissé, who won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, was appointed on April 9 and could thus lead his first matches with the Palancas Negras during this international window, possibly away from Luanda.
BreakingFighting 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.
Must ReadBurundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye has been nominated by his party, the CNDD-FDD, as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The 57-year-old leader, who took office in June 2020 following the death of his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza, was elected during an extraordinary national congress of the party. Ndayishimiye, a former secretary-general of the CNDD-FDD, which has been in power since 2005, is considered a strong favorite for another seven-year term. His initial election in May 2020 was marked by allegations of fraud and the invalidation of his main opponent's candidacy. Since assuming power, Ndayishimiye's administration has shown some signs of openness, while maintaining firm control, which has led to human rights abuses denounced by NGOs and the UN.