Sahel region
Coverage of Sahel region in the Nexus archive.
- Unprecedented images show how Russia is using drones from the war in Ukraine in Africa
Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, which has replaced the Wagner Group in supporting Mali's army, are deploying combat drones in Mali. These drones, commonly used in Ukraine, are now being utilized in the Sahel region despite not being designed for that environment.
- Gunmen attack airport in Niger’s capital as explosions, gunfire heard
Gunmen attacked Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, causing explosions and gunfire. Security forces responded after the attackers breached airport security, marking the second such attack at the airport this year. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a similar attack in January, and Niger, under a military junta since a 2023 coup, faces ongoing jihadi violence in the Sahel region.
- West Africa: Violence, Climate Shocks, and Hunger Push the Sahel to the Brink of Collapse
The humanitarian crisis in Africa's Sahel region has expanded due to increased violence, particularly in the Central Sahel, alongside climate shocks and widespread hunger. Millions of people require urgent assistance as displacement and hunger cross borders, despite the crisis fading from global headlines since 2012.
- Nigeria: Weapons Looted in Libya Conflict Now With Extremists in Nigeria - UN
The United Nations has warned that weapons looted during the 2011 conflict in Libya have resurfaced in the hands of extremist groups in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, contributing to insecurity in West Africa.
- The Mali crisis could have a dangerous spillover effect
The Mali crisis poses a risk of spillover instability across the Sahel region, necessitating urgent diplomatic action to prevent a major surge in unrest.
- Mali’s militant attacks expose limits of Putin’s power in Africa
Russian support for Mali’s military junta has failed to prevent recent rebel attacks, highlighting the limitations of Moscow's influence in the region. Despite 2,000 Russian troops deployed to prop up the regime, militant strikes continue, undermining Putin's strategic goals in Africa.
- Mali hit by wave of coordinated attacks from armed groups
Mali's capital Bamako and other key cities were struck by coordinated attacks involving armed groups, including jihadist insurgents and separatist rebels, exploiting worsening insecurity in the Sahel region. The attacks mark one of the most significant security breaches in years.
- Mali hit by wave of coordinated attacks from armed groups
Mali's capital Bamako and other key cities were struck by coordinated attacks involving jihadist insurgents and separatist rebels, marking one of the most significant such incidents in years. The attacks exploit escalating insecurity in the Sahel region.