politics upfront Bound

Mali: Diplomatic Rift Widens as France Expels Malian Envoys, Halts Counterterrorism Ties$

Diplomatic ties between Mali and France have sharply deteriorated after Mali detained a French national on coup-plotting charges, leading France to expel two Malian diplomats and suspend joint counterterrorism efforts. In response, Mali expelled five French embassy staff, ending a lengthy era of security cooperation between the two countries.

Egypt: Sisi Confronts Worldwide Embassy Uproar$

Embassy protests test Egypt’s foreign policy and Sisi’s response.Embassy protests spark debate on Egypt’s foreign policy and Sisi’s stance.

Tunisia: Armed Militias Attack the UGTT$

On August 7, 2025, unidentified men attempted to forcefully enter the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) offices in Tunis, calling for its dissolution, a day after President Kaïs Saïed, in reaction to a transport sector strike, had publicly accused union members of “treason.”

Geopolitics: Religion, Oil, and Minerals are Now Washington’s Africa Strategy$

Under Donald Trump, US Africa policy is zeroing in on oil and mineral wealth while using evangelical networks as a back channel into Central Africa — offering political cover to leaders and countering Chinese and Russian influence where Catholic voices are more...