Human Rights – The North Africa Journal

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Sahel: Russia Replaces Wagner in Mali Under Pressure from Algeria, Touaregs Brace

As Wagner withdraws from Mali, Russia is not stepping away, but it’s reshaping its presence there. Under quiet pressure from Algeria, the mercenaries are being replaced by the Africa Corps—a more organized, state-run force that gives Moscow’s backing to Bamako a new...

Mauritania: Ex-President Verdict Puts Mauritania’s Legal System Under Spotlight

Mauritania’s high-profile corruption trial of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has sparked a bigger conversation across West Africa: are countries in the region finally holding powerful leaders accountable, or are courtrooms becoming battlegrounds for...

Guinea’s Mining Purge Echoes Mali’s Playbook, With Different Goals

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—announced in dramatic prime-time broadcasts—targets firms...

Sahel: Russia Reorganizes in Mali: Wagner Withdraws, Africa Corps Moves In

After months of behind-the-scenes talks, Russia has managed to phase out the Wagner Group in Mali and replace it with a new force called the Africa Corps—a clear sign that Moscow is reworking its playbook in the Sahel. Wagner’s fighters, once relied on by Mali’s...

West Africa: Despite Record Oil Production, Senegal Faces Fuel Price Pressure

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. Behind the wheel and across the economy, frustration is building. Many point to the...

The EU’s Silent Partner: Mauritania’s Migration Deal Under Scrutiny

Mauritania is getting €210 million in EU funding to act as a migration gatekeeper to fortress Europe. The northwest African nation has intensified its role as Europe’s southern migration police—intercepting over 30,000 migrants in 2025 and dismantling smuggling...

The EU’s Silent Partner: Mauritania’s Migration Deal Under Scrutiny

Mauritania is getting €210 million in EU funding to act as a migration gatekeeper to fortress Europe. but there are growing reports of human rights abuses, deportations, and corruption raising concerns about the costs of this strategy.

Sahel: A Primer on the Northern Mali Crisis

Northern Mali has always been a region of turmoil, and the responsibility for the misery there starts with the central government in Bamako. Violence, social, economic and environmental turmoil has hit the people of the Azawad region hard, deeply affecting the Tuareg,...

Niger and Algeria recall their ambassadors over undocumented migrants

The authorities in Niger summoned the Algerian ambassador Bekhadda Mehdi on 2 April, over Algeria’s treatment of undocumented migrants originating from Niger. In return, two days later Algeria also summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Niger in Algiers, Aminou...

Sahel: Wagner Group and Mali army engaging in mass murder and forced displacement of northern populations

The Wagner Group is wracking havoc in northern Mali, with actions that hint on ongoing efforts to depopulate the region. Human rights abuses against local population are being committed by both the Malian national army and its Russian contractors from the Wagner...

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