
Mali is experiencing a critical security situation following a series of coordinated attacks launched on Saturday by jihadists allied with Tuareg rebels against strategic junta positions in Bamako and several major cities. The Minister of Defense, General Sadio Camara, a key figure in the military regime, was killed in these attacks, which have created significant uncertainty about the junta's future. The Malian army has been engaged in intense fighting since Saturday against assailants from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM, Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front FLA, Tuareg separatists. Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front claimed total control of Kidal on Sunday after renewed clashes. In Gao, fighting stopped, but rebels remain near the city. In Sévaré, the situation remains confused with gunshots still heard. Calm returned to Kati, a junta stronghold near Bamako, after morning gunfire. General Sadio Camara, 47, and his second wife were killed in an attack on his residence by JNIM. Tuareg rebels announced an agreement for the withdrawal of Russian soldiers from Africa Corps from Kidal. General Assimi Goïta, the junta leader, has not been seen or spoken publicly since the attacks began, but a Malian security source stated he was evacuated to a safe location. The head of intelligence, General Modibo Koné, and the chief of staff of the armed forces, General Oumar Diarra, were reportedly wounded. On Sunday, the Malian army state
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Must ReadUganda has put forward a new candidate for the UN Secretary-General position, a development that follows former Senegalese President Macky Sall's recent presentation to the General Assembly. Sall, who was the sole African candidate until now, spoke for 90 minutes on July 23, advocating for a UN focused on dialogue, listening, and consultation, drawing on nearly 40 years of public affairs experience. His candidacy had already generated controversy as it was presented by Burundi, then chair of the African Union, rather than by Senegal, which had not officially supported its former president. The selection process, which began in late November 2025, involves consultations among member states before the Security Council recommends a name to the General Assembly, which will ultimately appoint the successor to António Guterres later this year.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye confirmed the official launch of his new political party, Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains, following its constitutive general assembly at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. The President announced the party's formation on social media, explaining that "Kiiraay" in Wolof means "that which protects." This meaning is reflected in the party's logo, which features an umbrella protecting a map of Senegal. President Faye stated that the party was founded to serve the Republic, described as the home for all citizens, and is open to all republicans without distinction. He concluded his message with the party's slogan: "La Patrie d’abord!" This announcement marks the transformation of the "Diomaye Président" coalition into a structured political party, with the President himself presiding over the event.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the formation of his new political party, "Kiiraay, Les Patriotes Républicains," during its constitutive general assembly held on Saturday, July 25, at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. The new party emerges from the transformation of the "Diomaye Président" coalition that supported his 2024 presidential candidacy. President Faye will personally lead Kiiraay, departing from his previous stance of separating the presidential function from party leadership, a position he adopted upon taking office, which led him to resign as Secretary General of Pastef. The name "Kiiraay" means "that which protects" in Wolof, symbolizing the President's intention for the party to serve as a safeguard for Senegalese citizens. This development occurs amidst a period of political realignment in Senegal, marked by significant departures from both Pastef and the Alliance for the Republic APR. The launch of Kiiraay is also seen as a test of loyalty for several ministers close to the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, including Déthié Fall, Moustapha Guirassy, and Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, whose presence and potential adherence to the new structure will be closely observed as an indicator of their alignment in the evolving dynamic between the two executive leaders. Following its establishment, Kiiraay plans to embark on a national tour across Senegal.