Shield and Alert: Sahel Bound

Mauritania’s high-profile corruption trial of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has sparked a bigger conversation across West Africa, as his 15-year prison sentence has drawn widespread attention—not just for the verdict itself, but for what it reveals about how justice works in Mauritania.

Guinea’s junta has launched a sweeping crackdown on mining permits, abruptly revoking over 100 licenses for bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond projects in a bold move to “clean up” the sector. The decision targets firms accused of hoarding land without development or violating Guinea’s mining code.

Russia has replaced the Wagner Group in Mali with its new Africa Corps, signaling a shift toward a more controlled and official military presence focused on training and intelligence. While the tactics may look different, Moscow’s long-term ambitions in the region remain very much the same—just better dressed.

In Senegal, drivers are feeling the pinch as fuel prices soar to the highest levels in the entire WAEMU region—even though the country pumped out 16 million barrels of oil in 2024. Government officials say relief is coming, thanks to plans to process oil locally and tap into natural gas reserves. But with living costs climbing and no visible change in sight, talk of strikes is starting to surface.