Jihadists and Tuareg separatists launch coordinated attacks across Mali
via SeneNews2 min read
Jihadists and their Tuareg separatist allies launched multiple attacks across Mali on Saturday morning, targeting locations in Gao, Anéfis, Aguelhok north, Sévaré center, and the Kéniéroba prison, 70 kilometers from Bamako. The assaults began around 5 AM local time, with fighting reported by the army, residents, and security sources. In Anéfis, separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front FLA claimed to have taken "several posts," with combat ongoing inside the town. Residents confirmed armed groups were present but stated the army was still resisting. Anéfis and Aguelhok are the last remaining locations where the Malian army is present in the Kidal region following major attacks on April 25 and 26. These earlier offensives, led by the JNIM affiliated with Al Qaeda and the FLA, significantly weakened the ruling junta in Bamako and resulted in the death of the Minister of Defense, leading to the strategic northern city of Kidal falling under FLA control. In Gao, residents reported multiple gunshots and "strong detonations" near an army camp. In Sévaré, central Mali, explosions were heard around 5 AM, followed by sightings of several aircraft. The Kéniéroba penitentiary, which holds jihadist detainees, was also attacked, with a prisoner reporting ongoing gunfire.
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.
Nicolas Jackson, the Senegalese forward, has addressed and denied rumors circulating about his alcohol consumption following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. In an Instagram post, Jackson firmly refuted the accusations, stating, "It's false. I don't drink alcohol, I never have. I love this jersey too much and I respect my teammates too much to behave as anything other than a professional." He emphasized his commitment and professionalism, despite the criticism directed at him after the team's early exit from the tournament. Jackson acknowledged the disappointment of supporters but stressed that frustration should not lead to the spread of false information. He concluded his message by affirming his dedication to his career, stating he will continue to work, recover, and return stronger.
Senegalese goalkeeper Mory Diaw has issued an apology to supporters following the elimination of the Lions of Teranga in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. In an emotional message, Diaw acknowledged his share of responsibility for the team's exit, stating, "I am sorry. Sorry for not being able to take you further." He reflected on his childhood dream of representing Senegal on the global stage and recognized the harsh reality of a goalkeeper's role, where a single action can alter a match's outcome. Despite the disappointment, Diaw emphasized that this elimination should not overshadow the team's efforts and sacrifices. He expressed that the pain will linger but affirmed his unwavering love for the national jersey, promising to return with greater determination. Diaw concluded by thanking Senegalese fans for their support through both victories and defeats, looking forward to future challenges with the Lions.
Five people have died in Togo due to floods caused by heavy rains on June 28 and 29, according to a government statement released on Saturday evening. The Gulf of Guinea experienced particularly intense rainfall at the end of June, marking the beginning of the rainy season, which led to severe flooding in Togo, as well as in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria. The provisional toll in Togo includes five deaths, significant material damage, and major traffic disruptions. The floods also "strongly disrupted traffic," with many homes, particularly in the capital Lomé, inundated. Some households were forced to evacuate and seek refuge with neighbors or relatives. The government stated that rescue operations, assistance to affected populations and communities, and securing at-risk areas are underway, along with support measures for affected families and households, in a spirit of national solidarity. Several political parties and civil society organizations have called on residents in unaffected areas to show solidarity with those impacted. The Dynamique pour la majorité du peuple DMP, a coalition of opposition political parties and civil society organizations, criticized the recurring floods in a statement on July 2, emphasizing the urgent need to rethink urbanization and sanitation policies. Beyond Togo, these heavy rains have also caused fatalities in other countries, with 59 deaths reported in Côte d'Ivoire and twelve in Ghana.