Sahel Edition

Sahel: Russia courting nation of Mali with free fertilizerF

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Posted On 4 October 2022

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Russian President Vladimir Putin told Malian junta leader Assimi Goita Tuesday that he wanted to donate to Mali Russian fertiliser blocked by Western sanctions since Moscow’s offensive began in Ukraine. “The importance of carrying out Russia’s initiative to transfer for free 300,000 tonnes of Russian fertiliser blocked in European ports because of illegal sanctions to countries that need it was underlined,” the Kremlin said in a statement after the two leaders spoke by telephone.

Putin said last month Russian fertiliser was stuck in European Union ports despite a deal in July between Moscow and Kyiv that allowed Russia to export its agricultural products and fertiliser despite sanctions. Putin accused the EU of seeking to hoard the fertiliser and promised that Russia would send it, if recovered, to developing countries. Russia is one of the world’s major producers of chemical fertilisers, which are key for farmers to maintain crop yields.

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned in August that agricultural products and fertiliser must reach world markets to avoid a global food crisis. “Without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023,” he said. Putin and Goita also agreed to “strengthen Russian-Malian cooperation in the area of security to eliminate terrorist groups from Mali”, the Kremlin said. Mali’s ruling junta, which seized power in August 2020, has turned away from the country’s traditional ally France and towards Russia.

Russia’s support has included large numbers of ground operatives, who Mali describes as military trainers but Western countries say are mercenaries with the private organisation Wagner. The Russian leader also invited Goita to the next Russia-Africa summit, due to take place in St Petersburg in the summer of 2023.

AFP

Flashpoints: In Southern Chad, A Local Clash Reveals Deeper Fragility$

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Local Conflicts: State-Imposed Land Pact Struggles to Calm Tensions in Brakna, Mauritania$

Authorities in Mauritania’s Brakna region have forced a truce between rival farming communities after deadly clashes over fertile land in the Waalo zone. The agreement, signed in Aleg under the authority of the regional governor, halts direct confrontations and routes all complaints through the administration, but accusations of bias and political interference show that trust in the state’s land governance remains badly shaken.

Niger Airport Attack Deepens Sahel’s Security and Diplomatic Strains$

An overnight assault on the air base embedded in Niamey’s international airport has pushed Niger’s crisis into the capital, wounding soldiers and damaging civilian aircraft. The United States has ordered non‑essential diplomatic staff to leave, while other governments tighten “avoid all travel” warnings, signaling a broader reassessment of risk. As Niamey accuses foreign states and militants claim responsibility, the episode underscores how security, regime politics, and great‑power rivalry now collide in the Sahel.

Why Morocco’s Protests Aren’t Just About Youth: The Fight for Dignity and JusticeF

Morocco is facing its largest wave of unrest in years, with mass protests erupting across major cities demanding better hospitals, schools, and an end to corruption.