AGP Executive Report

Sahel Bloc Politics: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) held a June 23–25 summit in Ouagadougou to align security, economic cooperation and diplomatic positions among Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as they keep distancing from ECOWAS. France–Burkina Rift: Burkina Faso severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of neocolonial ambitions and backing “subversive networks” and terrorists; France called the move “hostile and unfounded” and said it is considering reciprocal measures while urging French nationals to stay vigilant. Mali Governance & Economy: Mali’s government is pursuing a major gold-tax and dividend claim against Barrick Gold, seeking more than $500m in unpaid dues—another test of resource governance and state leverage. Regional Energy Integration: The AfDB backed progress on the Mauritania–Mali 225kV power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, with new contracts signed to strengthen grid reliability and cross-border energy trade. Humanitarian Funding Watch: UN OCHA reports humanitarian funding coverage across West and Central Africa is rising, with Mali included among tracked countries, as crises deepen and long-term planning faces pressure.

AES Coordination: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) wrapped a June 23–25 summit in Ouagadougou, with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger pushing a shared security and diplomatic line ahead of future ECOWAS engagement. France–Burkina Rift: France says Burkina Faso’s decision to sever ties is “hostile and unfounded” and is weighing reciprocal measures, while Ouagadougou accuses Paris of backing “subversive networks” and terrorists. Mali–Region Energy: The AfDB backed progress on the Mauritania–Mali 225 kV power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, signing project implementation contracts tied to regional grid reliability and energy trade. International Justice: Niger’s ICC withdrawal debate continues across Africa, with legal and political questions raised about what happens to victims when states step away from external accountability. Clean Cooking Crisis: A new IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose access to clean cooking for over a billion people by 2027, with health and environmental costs rising as population growth outpaces progress.

Diplomatic Rift in the Sahel: Burkina Faso severed ties with France, saying the “conditions” for relations based on sovereignty and non-interference no longer exist, while accusing Paris of neo-colonial ambitions and backing “subversive networks” and terrorism; France said it is considering reciprocal measures and urged heightened vigilance for French nationals. ICC Exit Debate: Niger’s formal withdrawal from the International Criminal Court is reigniting arguments over sovereignty versus accountability, with critics warning victims may lose an external route to justice when domestic systems fail. Mali-France Cooperation: A separate report says Mali and the French ambassador discussed bilateral economic cooperation and joint projects. Energy & Regional Power: The AfDB backed major steps toward the Mauritania–Mali 225 kV interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to strengthen grids and energy trade across the Sahel. Governance & Media Pressure in Mali: Mali’s press community faces renewed concern as journalists are detained under cybercrime rules, with critics calling it a tool for repression. Local Politics: In a separate governance dispute, a mayor in LA Ruanto says a Facebook post falsely accused a supplier and says he will pursue legal action.

ICC Exit in the Sahel: Niger’s military government has formally requested withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, joining Mali and Burkina Faso in a widening push against ICC oversight—human rights groups warn victims could lose a key accountability route. Mali Telecom Reversal: Mali has regained majority control of SOTELMA in a $277m deal, shifting ownership to give Bamako a 56% stake after 17 years of foreign control. Press Freedom Under Strain in Mali: Mali’s journalist community faces renewed pressure, with detentions tied to the cybercrime law and criticism that the judiciary and media regulator are not creating space for fair coverage. Sahel Security Allegations: French broadcaster RFI reports Russian Africa Corps and Malian troops staged killings, including a staged swastika arrangement, renewing scrutiny of abuses in northern Mali. Burkina Faso-France Rift: Burkina Faso severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of “neo-colonial” interference and backing destabilising networks. Digital Finance Push: Wave met Cameroon’s regulators and public institutions to expand digital payments and financial inclusion. Regional Justice Shock: Morocco’s Casablanca court sentenced 29 people in the “Escobar of the Sahara” drug and corruption case, including prominent politicians and sports figures. Women’s Football Expansion: CAF confirmed WAFCON Morocco 2026 expands to 16 teams, with Mali among the qualifiers.

ECOWAS Currency Debate: Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II warned ECOWAS not to rush the ECO common currency, saying weak economies, poor fiscal discipline and fragile institutions would doom the plan. Sahel Diplomacy: Sanusi also urged ECOWAS to reconcile with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal, arguing the split has hurt security cooperation and regional integration. UN Accountability Push: The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at improving justice for crimes against peacekeepers, calling for stronger investigation and prosecution after attacks. Mali Security & Conflict Tech: A new analysis highlights how drone warfare is spreading across the Sahel, including Mali-linked rebel use of advanced drones to strike state forces. Mali Governance & Economy: Mali’s telecom sector gets a major shake-up as the country regains control of a strategic asset via a $277m deal, while separate coverage points to fiscal policy as Mali’s key crisis tool. Regional Security Context: Coverage also tracks intensifying jihadist competition and attacks across Niger, underscoring the wider pressure on Mali’s borders.

Sahel Security & Jihadist Rivalry: Niger’s junta says al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and IS Sahel Province (ISSP) carried out major attacks, including deadly strikes on Nigerien bases near the Mali border, underscoring how jihadist groups are competing for influence as security deteriorates. International Justice Politics: Niger formally submitted its withdrawal from the ICC, joining Mali and Burkina Faso in rejecting what they call “selective justice” and pushing for “indigenous” Sahel mechanisms instead. Regional Diplomacy: ECOWAS reconciliation talks got a boost as Kano Emir Sanusi urged Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to reconcile, warning that the exits have weakened security and integration. Mali Governance & Economy: Mali’s state regained majority control of strategic telecom asset SOTELMA via a $277m deal, framed by Bamako as a step toward economic sovereignty. Public Safety & Rights: UN Security Council adopted a resolution aimed at improving accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, responding to low prosecution rates.

ICC Exit Push in the Sahel: Niger has formally submitted its “instrument of withdrawal” from the International Criminal Court, setting its exit for June 18, 2027, and joining Mali and Burkina Faso in rejecting what they call “selective justice” and “neo-colonialist repression.” The ICC says Niger must still honor obligations until the withdrawal date. Security and Terror Tactics: Separate reporting on the Sahel highlights how jihadist groups are adapting, including a second Niamey airport attack where attackers allegedly used deception to bypass tightened security, killing soldiers and civilians. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Reporters Without Borders says the number of journalists forced into exile has doubled since 2021, with the Great Lakes and Sahel worsening the trend. Mali Governance and Accountability Debate: Commentary circulating alongside the ICC news argues the withdrawal shields junta leaders more than victims, while Sahel states push for “indigenous mechanisms” for peace and justice.

ICC Withdrawal Wave in the Sahel: Niger has formally notified the UN of its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, with the exit set to take effect on June 18, 2027, after the junta cited “selective justice” and “neo-colonial” bias—while the ICC said Niger remains bound to cooperate until then. Sahel Security Context: The move lands as jihadist violence keeps spreading across the region, with reporting from western Mali to Lake Chad describing extremists tightening control over daily life. Regional Climate & Water Governance: Côte d’Ivoire urged Volta Basin states—including Mali—to accelerate ecosystem restoration and strengthen transboundary governance, warning climate change, mining, and farming pressures are degrading water and biodiversity. Mali-linked Fiscal/Policy Debate: Serbia’s finance minister Sinisa Mali argued fiscal resilience is the key tool for stability in crises, a theme resonating amid Sahel economic strain. Energy Access Investment: WeLight secured IFC backing to expand solar mini-grids, operating nearly 190 in Mali and serving 800,000 people—an infrastructure push relevant to Mali’s development agenda.

ICC Exit in the Sahel: Niger’s junta has formally submitted its withdrawal request to the International Criminal Court, with the ICC confirming receipt on June 18; the exit takes effect June 18, 2027, meaning Niger must still meet court obligations during the one-year transition. Mali’s Political Context: The move comes alongside Mali and Burkina Faso’s earlier ICC break, as the three military-led states denounce the court as a “neo-colonial” tool while facing ongoing jihadist violence and allegations of abuses. Security and Borders: In Lagos, police intercepted a truck carrying 47 sacks of military camouflage and 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances, arresting three suspects; separately, they rescued 38 foreign nationals in Epe from a possible mob attack and launched investigations into alleged illegal immigration. Governance and Rights: The ECOWAS Court of Justice awarded ₦21 million to a Ghanaian woman denied passport renewal and entry, ruling Ghana violated her rights to freedom of movement and nationality. Mali Development: Bamagreen’s Phase II in Bamako and Ségou is set to recover and recycle over 960 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with funding support tied to Mali’s country partnership framework.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: A new Sahel-focused piece spotlights Malick Konaté, portraying Mali’s military rule as tightening control over independent journalism and civil society while failing to deliver security. International Justice Rift: Niger has formally submitted its withdrawal request from the International Criminal Court, with the ICC saying the move takes effect in 2027 and that Niger remains bound until then—part of the wider Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso break with Western institutions. Sahel Security Reality Check: Coverage of the Niamey airport attack underscores how jihadist violence is reaching major infrastructure and capitals, while governments trade blame—raising pressure on regional security strategies. Regional Governance & Accountability: A UN Security Council resolution adopted this week targets low prosecution rates for crimes against peacekeepers, pushing for stronger fact-finding and support for investigations. Mali Development Watch: The Bamagreen plastic-to-products project announces a Mali phase focused on jobs and circular production in Bamako and Ségou, backed by Spain’s development agency. Mali Economy & Resources: Kodal Minerals reports Bougouni lithium has shifted to production, aiming for steady output and highlighting Mali’s growing role in critical minerals supply chains.

Mali Mining Governance: Mali’s military-led government is pressing Barrick Gold for about $512M in unpaid taxes and dividends tied to the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, as negotiations enter a critical phase and the dispute reflects a wider push to renegotiate legacy mining deals. Security & Regional Spillover: Reporting on Mali’s crisis highlights how JNIM and Tuareg-aligned forces have intensified pressure on Bamako, while Russia seeks to slow Islamist encroachment—underscoring how Sahel insurgencies and external backers shape Mali’s political stability. Tax & State Capacity: Mali’s finance minister told a West African tax forum in Bamako that domestic resource mobilisation and stronger regional tax cooperation are now “strategic imperatives,” especially as digital trade and cross-border flows complicate revenue collection. Energy & Investment Signals: A separate deal shows how Mali-linked business ties keep expanding in the region, with Liberia signing an MoU with Mali-based AfriLight Energy for a 50MW solar-plus-storage project—an example of renewables investment momentum beyond Mali’s borders.

Mali Security & Governance: Mali has declared the Faya forest and dozens of other parks “off-limits” to civilians, clearing vegetation along National Route 6 to reduce jihadist ambushes by JNIM, as the state expands security zones after major attacks that killed the defence minister. Regional Counterterrorism: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) condemned a deadly attack on Niger’s Niamey airport, saying it was meant to weaken Niger’s forces and reverse militant setbacks, with JNIM claiming responsibility. Tax & State Capacity: Mali’s Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou urged stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and deeper regional tax cooperation at WATAF in Bamako, warning that digital trade and cross-border flows are straining tax administrations. International Finance: Liberia was unanimously elected to chair two IMF capacity-building bodies, including the ATI chairmanship transferred from Mali, underscoring shifting leadership in West African financial governance. Rights & Civil Liberties: A Malian cyberactivist detained in Côte d’Ivoire on spying accusations has been freed, amid tense Mali–Ivory Coast relations after the Sahel coups.

Security & Counterterrorism: Mali’s army is clearing vegetation along National Route 6 and designating Faya forest and dozens of other parks as “off-limits” to civilians, aiming to cut off JNIM-al-Qaeda Sahel militants’ ambush and refuge routes near Bamako. Regional Diplomacy: The Confederation of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) backed Niger after a second major attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani airport, praising “swift” army action and warning repeated assaults will only strengthen Sahel unity. Human Rights & Law: Niger’s new penal code criminalising same-sex intimacy is reported to carry heavy penalties, adding to a wider West African crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. Governance & Institutions: Liberia has taken over chairmanship of two IMF-backed regional committees, with the ATI chairmanship shifting from Mali to Liberia. Economy & Infrastructure: Ghana is pushing a rail freight corridor plan to route Sahel-bound cargo via Takoradi Port to Hamile, while Keta Port progress hinges on an EIA permit and approved variations after investor interest. Civic Space: A Malian cyberactivist detained in Ivory Coast on spying accusations has been freed, with lawyers citing his release without detailing reasons.

Turkey–Sahel security ties: A new report says Turkish drones are now embedded across the Sahel, with Mali using Bayraktar Akinci and TB2 systems in its counterinsurgency push. Regional bloc diplomacy: The Confederation of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) backed Niger after the Niamey airport attack, saying attackers were “neutralized” and that repeated strikes won’t break unity. Mali–Ivory Coast cyber case: Malian cyberactivist Abdoul Aziz Maiga was freed after more than a month in detention in Côte d’Ivoire over alleged spying. Humanitarian pressure in Mali: On World Refugee Day, Right To Play highlights Mali’s internal displacement crisis as an education emergency, citing hundreds of schools closed and large numbers of children out of school. Sahel security narrative: Russia condemned the Niamey airport attack and backed Niger, alleging the assault involved mercenaries acting for France. Women’s rights focus: Regional rights experts urged stronger protection for women human rights defenders across West Africa, pushing for national-level action.

Sahel Security: The Confederation of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) backed Niger after a second major attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani airport, where al-Qaeda-linked gunmen killed 11 soldiers and two civilians; Russia, Libya and Qatar also condemned the assault and urged stronger regional counter-terror cooperation. Mali Conflict & Governance: Mali’s displacement and insecurity remain a political and social pressure point, with Right To Play warning that World Refugee Day must include internally displaced children—many of whom face school closures and trauma inside Mali. Human Rights: West African rights groups and partners called for stronger protection of women human rights defenders, pushing governments to turn regional commitments into real national safeguards. Mining & Community Resistance: In Mali’s wider region, communities renewed anti-mining pledges at Khandual Mali, demanding cancellation of a proposed mining project and insisting on consent from local assemblies. Food Security: UN agencies warned acute hunger could worsen between June and November in 13 “hunger hotspot” countries, with conflict and funding gaps driving the risk. Regional Diplomacy: China reaffirmed support for Mali’s modernization and development, signaling continued external engagement amid security strain.

Security & Diplomacy: Niger’s Niamey airport was hit again in a major attack, with gunfire lasting hours and authorities saying the assault was repelled; Niger’s defence ministry blamed France while JNIM claimed responsibility, and Russia also weighed in, backing Niger and linking the attack to France. Sahel Spillover: Analysts say the strikes show armed groups increasingly targeting urban hubs across the Sahel, including the airport complex tied to regional counterterrorism and military operations. Mali Governance & Stability: Mali’s own security posture remains under pressure as reports this week highlighted ongoing counterterror operations and the broader jihadist threat environment affecting the region. Humanitarian Impact: World Refugee Day coverage spotlighted Mali’s displacement crisis as an education crisis, with insecurity closing schools and leaving hundreds of thousands of children out of class. Anti-Corruption Leadership: Zimbabwe’s ZACC chair Michael Reza was elected first vice president of AAACA, with Mali’s Modibo Sacko listed as president—an indirect reminder of how regional governance bodies are shaping anti-graft priorities. Regional Development: While not Mali-specific, Ghana’s Keta port project drew 42 investor expressions after environmental clearance, underscoring how infrastructure approvals can quickly move political economy from planning to implementation.