Shield and Alert: Sahel Bound

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.

Niger’s government has dissolved 400 private security firms under new regulations aimed at formalizing industry oversight and raising operational standards. The move leaves thousands of workers facing layoffs and signals a major shift toward stricter licensing, compliance, and government supervision in the sector.

An international tribunal has ruled Niger must stop selling or transferring uranium produced by Somaïr, as French firm Orano claims rights to stockpiled material after the mine’s nationalization. The September 23 ICSID order temporarily freezes the disputed uranium assets until the legal case is resolved.

Heavy rains and flooding in Niger have forced authorities to delay the start of the school year, as hundreds of classrooms have been damaged or are being used to shelter displaced families. The government is working to restore school infrastructure so education can resume safely for thousands of students.