Maghreb Edition

Sahel: Mali and Niger juntas use lethal drones, populations fleeing northern MaliF

Posted On 4 August 2024

Number of times this article was read : 2902

Stability tracking firm MEA Risk LLC reports an accelerated deterioration of the security climate in the Sahel. Data collected by MEA Risk indicates that while clashes between juntas and insurgents continue to escalate, the militaries of Mali and Niger have been using drones to conduct air raids that often end in the killing of civilians. Coming to the help of the Malian junta, soldiers from Burkina Faso have been dispatched to northern Mali to confront the fighters of the Azawad Movement, which has been seeking autonomy from the central government of Bamako.  The rapidly deteriorating situation is prompting tens of thousands of people to flee central and northern Mali, often moving inside Mauritania, causing additional strains to the regions where they settle.

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Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.