
The head of the Malian army, General Jean Elysée Dao, announced on public television that approximately 30 Malian soldiers were killed and 60 wounded in recent intense fighting against Tuareg separatists for control of Anéfis in northern Mali. General Dao stated that around 30 "martyrs" fell and 60 were wounded, some seriously. This interview was broadcast on Malian public television ORTM on Friday and an audio recording was sent to AFP on Sunday. In a statement released on Saturday, the Tuareg separatists claimed to have inflicted the heaviest material and human losses in their history on Malian soldiers and Russian paramilitaries during the six-day battle, without specifying their own casualties. The Malian army and Russian paramilitaries from the Africa Corps regained control of Anéfis, according to rebels and a military source on Friday. On July 4, jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, and separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front FLA, predominantly Tuareg, launched new attacks across the country, claiming control of Anéfis. However, Russian paramilitaries from the Africa Corps and some Malian soldiers, entrenched in a military camp in Anéfis since July 4, continued fighting against their attackers, primarily FLA members. Russian and army reinforcements arrived on Thursday evening, retaking the town, which is located about 100 kilometers from the strategic town of Kidal, controlled by separatists and JNIM, accordi
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Must ReadThe government has decided against holding a referendum for constitutional revision, according to Minister Serigne Gueye Diop. This decision follows the Constitutional Council's rejection of the proposed bill for constitutional revision. Minister Diop, speaking on the Grand Jury program on Sunday, July 12, 2026, stated unequivocally that the referendum option is now off the table. He emphasized that the project from the national dialogue in Diamniadio is now a thing of the past, especially after the Constitutional Council's ruling. However, Diop assured that institutional reforms are not abandoned. He indicated that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will personally resume the initiative to modernize the Constitution and fulfill his commitments. The reforms will now proceed through the classic legislative procedure as draft bills, with their examination awaiting the resumption of parliamentary work, as the National Assembly is currently on a three-month recess.
Must ReadFormer President Macky Sall is scheduled to meet with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, around July 17 in Dakar. This meeting is part of Sall's campaign for the position of United Nations Secretary General. The information, reported by Dakaractu, indicates that the meeting's date is subject to official calendar confirmation. This audience is part of a sub-regional tour undertaken by the former head of state to consolidate support for his candidacy. The diplomatic effort aims to secure backing from Senegal and other sub-regional countries ahead of the next stages in the selection process for the UN Secretary General. Sall intends to increase consultations with regional leaders to strengthen his international standing. The meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye would be a significant step in this process, as African candidacies for the UN Secretary General position seek broad diplomatic support on the continent and beyond.
BreakingIran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following renewed hostilities with the United States, triggered by an attack on a vessel in the strategic waterway. This development undermines a theoretical ceasefire that was in effect. Pakistan's top diplomat, Ishaq Dar, a mediator in the conflict, called for de-escalation and urged both sides to exercise restraint. Iranian attacks targeted Gulf neighbors, with Qatar and Jordan condemning the "dangerous escalation." Alert sirens sounded in Bahrain, and explosions and interceptions were reported in southern Doha, Qatar. Qatari authorities confirmed intercepting missiles, and the Revolutionary Guards stated they targeted a US air base in Qatar in response to ongoing US attacks. Jordan reported being hit by three Iranian missiles. The Islamic Republic's ideological army also claimed an attack on Oman, stating they destroyed logistical support bases for US aircraft carriers at the port of Duqm. Oman condemned the attack, which occurred while discussions with Tehran about the future management of the Strait of Hormuz were underway. Earlier, Iran announced the closure of the Strait "until further notice" after firing upon a vessel. The Revolutionary Guards stated they fired warning shots at a ship that had endangered maritime security by disabling its systems. According to UKMTO, the attack occurred east of Oman's Musandam peninsula, causing a fire and prompting the crew's evacuation. US Central Command Centcom identified the ve