
Mali's transitional government announced on April 25, 2026, that armed terrorist groups launched complex and coordinated attacks targeting several garrison towns, including Kati, Sévaré, Gao, Kidal, and Bamako. These terrorist acts resulted in 16 injuries among civilians and military personnel, who are receiving medical care, and limited material damage. The government stated that the terrorist offensives were brought under control, with several terrorists neutralized, and that the situation is now fully under control in all affected localities. The government commended the armed forces and urged the Malian population to remain vigilant and calm in the face of these desperate attempts by armed terrorist groups and their sponsors. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious movements and to rely exclusively on official government channels for reliable information.
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An awareness workshop on mental health was organized for young basketball players participating in the Afrophygital League Burkina, a tournament combining sports and digital innovation. The session, led by psychologists from Peace Psychologie et Expertise, addressed emotions, particularly stress, which is common in competitive situations. Faustine Girard, director of the firm, explained that stress is a normal reaction to a challenging situation and occurs naturally when the body faces a stake or pressure. She emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn to manage it, as poorly managed stress can prevent young athletes from reaching their full potential. The workshop also highlighted self-knowledge as key to personal development and performance, encouraging participants to identify emotions, strengths, and limits, and to seek professional help when needed. Psychologist Sékou Sory stressed the importance of mental preparation in sports, distinguishing between players who execute without ambition and those who set goals, build self-confidence, and develop mental strength. He noted that performance also depends on mental aspects like concentration, motivation, and managing emotions such as fear or doubt. Jean-Christophe Lingani, a young basketball player, shared that he often experiences stress during matches and doesn't know how to manage it, but the workshop provided him with relaxation and breathing techniques. Mental health professionals reiterated that t

Burkinabe students trained in China have officially launched the Association of Burkinabe Alumni of China, aiming to unite members and actively contribute to national development and strengthen cooperation between Burkina Faso and China. The launch ceremony took place at Aube Nouvelle University on April 24, 2026, coinciding with the celebration of International Chinese Language Day. The event gathered diplomats, academics, and many former Burkinabe students who studied in China. Through this association, the alumni intend to pool their skills, share experiences, and act as a force for proposals in various key sectors. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Burkina Faso, Deyong Zhao, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the joint celebration as a strong symbol of cultural rapprochement. He emphasized that promoting the Chinese language is a strategic lever for cooperation, encouraging more alumni to integrate into the language and improve their understanding of Chinese culture. Ambassador Zhao also noted the opportunities learning Chinese opens for Burkinabe youth, calling it a tool for global openness and a language of the future. The Chinese embassy plans to play an active role, supporting young Burkinabe interested in learning Chinese and strengthening bilateral relations through initiatives like the "Sino-African year for human and cultural exchanges." Oumar Dicko, president of the association, expressed gratitude to the Chi
Must ReadWest African nations are increasingly advocating for internal solutions and regional cooperation to combat armed groups, moving away from alliances with Western powers. This shift was highlighted at the 10th International Forum on Peace and Security on April 21, 2026, and in recent Nigerian official statements. Nigerian Minister of Defense, Christopher Musa, expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, emphasizing that security solutions lie in strengthened regional integration. Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, at the same forum, praised the effectiveness of cooperation models among West African countries and the Alliance of Sahel States AES, which has shown progress against armed groups in two years, contrasting with over a decade of perceived ineffective French military presence. Senegal is actively engaged in joint operations with Mali, recognizing terrorism as a common regional threat. Benin and Nigeria are also enhancing bilateral cooperation against terrorist groups along their shared borders. The consensus is that terrorism is a collective challenge requiring collective efforts, with growing skepticism in West African capitals regarding the effectiveness of foreign military assistance. The AES and Senegal exemplify this new approach, focusing on regional cooperation and local ownership of solutions.

The spokesperson for the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Burkina Faso has reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Principle. A statement from the embassy, shared with Lefaso.net, outlined the foundations of this position and highlighted the support from several African countries for China's territorial integrity. The document noted that all African countries, except Eswatini, have established diplomatic relations with China. These 53 nations, along with the African Union, adopted the Beijing Declaration at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation FOCAC summit. They have consistently affirmed their firm defense of the One-China Principle, recognizing that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing all of China. They also strongly support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. The embassy emphasized that the adherence to the One-China Principle aligns with international law and the fundamental norms governing international relations, stating that any attempts at "Taiwan independence" are futile and doomed to fail.