Shield and Alert: Sahel Bound

Senegal is confronting monkeypox and Rift Valley fever outbreaks, with no deaths from monkeypox but eight Rift Valley fever fatalities, mostly in Saint-Louis. Authorities are tracing contacts, boosting surveillance, and stepping up community outreach to control the spread.

Mauritania and Senegal are responding to a Rift Valley Fever outbreak that has killed 10 people. Health authorities, with WHO support, are boosting surveillance and urging safe handling of livestock and animal products to contain the virus.

Tensions between Algeria and Mali have deepened after Algeria rejected International Court of Justice jurisdiction over a disputed drone incident, halting legal mediation. The standoff, marked by sharp exchanges at the UN and ongoing suspension of diplomatic ties, underscores mounting mistrust and risks to regional stability in the Sahel.

Mali’s first lithium mine shows how global demand for critical minerals can leave local communities behind. While China secures the raw materials it needs, Mali risks missing the chance to build jobs, industries, and real value at home.