Four years after a military coup, Mali faces economic challenges with worsening poverty and frequent power outages impacting businesses and daily life. The junta’s postponement of elections and reliance on Russia has raised concerns, but some residents remain hopeful about greater independence from France.
Four years after the military seized power in Mali, residents are facing increasing economic hardship, including constant power outages that are crippling businesses. The coup, fueled by public anger with corruption and the spread of jihadist insurgency, has led to a wave of instability across the Sahel region. While some see the current difficulties as a necessary step towards independence, many are struggling to cope with the rising poverty and lack of basic services.
This week, the world witnessed a whirlwind of events, from a military coup in Bangladesh ousting its long-serving prime minister to anti-racism protests in the UK, and the US election campaign heating up with Kamala Harris’s vice presidential pick. We delve into these stories and more, providing insights into the global political landscape.
The son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has revealed that his mother was convinced to flee the country amid escalating protests. Joy, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, said that Hasina was initially reluctant to leave but was persuaded to do so for her safety. He also denied rumors that Hasina has sought asylum in the US or UK, stating she is currently in Delhi and has yet to make a decision on her future plans. Joy condemned the protests, labeling them as terrorism, and called on Bangladesh’s security forces to uphold the constitution and prevent an unelected government from taking power.
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has called on Myanmar’s junta to abandon its violent crackdown on dissent, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the ongoing conflict. Wong’s remarks come at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting where the Myanmar crisis continues to divide the bloc. Despite an agreement to a five-point peace plan, the junta has failed to implement it, leading to widespread instability, economic decline, and a growing humanitarian crisis.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas, have formally announced their break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries accuse ECOWAS of being influenced by France and failing to address jihadist violence, instead seeking partnerships with Russia, Turkey, and Iran. This move further strains relations between the Sahel nations and ECOWAS, which previously threatened military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup.
The United States is withdrawing all its personnel and equipment from Niger this weekend, abandoning a vital drone base crucial for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region. The move follows a deadline set by the ruling junta in Niger after a coup last year. While some troops have relocated to other West African nations, the majority will initially be sent to Europe.
