Africa

Mali Releases Over 100 Suspected Militants in Deal to Halt Fuel Convoy Attacks

Published

14 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Mali Releases Over 100 Suspected Militants in Deal to Halt Fuel Convoy Attacks

More than 100 individuals suspected of involvement in jihadist activities have been released in Mali under a negotiated arrangement aimed at ending attacks on fuel convoys that have severely disrupted economic activity and daily life across the country.

According to official and security sources, the releases were part of an informal understanding between authorities and armed actors linked to extremist networks, designed to secure a temporary halt to assaults on tanker trucks transporting fuel into the capital, Bamako, and other key regions.

Armed fighters associated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-linked organization operating across the Sahel, have been behind a series of coordinated attacks on fuel convoys since September. These attacks escalated in October, at one point bringing Bamako to a near standstill due to fuel shortages and supply chain disruptions.

A local elected official confirmed the development, stating that the release of detainees was tied to the reopening of a “corridor” that would allow fuel convoys to pass safely through previously contested routes. He added that more than 100 individuals described as young suspects had been freed by state security services, and that convoy attacks had since ceased under the arrangement.

Security sources further indicated that the understanding may remain in place until the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), expected around the end of May, suggesting the deal could be temporary and subject to further negotiation.

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Reports also indicate that a number of detainees released were members of the Fulani community, an ethnic group that has at times been disproportionately affected by counterinsurgency operations and is often associated—rightly or wrongly—with jihadist activity in public discourse. Representatives of Fulani associations have confirmed the release of some of their members, noting that their inclusion among detainees has been a recurring concern.

Mali, a landlocked West African country, has been facing a prolonged security crisis since 2012, driven by insurgent groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as criminal networks exploiting weak state presence in rural areas. The violence has spread from the north into central regions, complicating military efforts and straining governance.

The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), one of the most active militant coalitions in the region, has increasingly targeted infrastructure and logistics routes, including fuel supply lines, as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on authorities and disrupt economic stability.

Fuel convoy attacks have had wide-ranging consequences, including shortages at petrol stations, price spikes, transport disruptions, and reduced commercial activity. The government has in recent months relied on a mix of military escorts, route adjustments, and negotiations to maintain supply flows.

The reported deal highlights the evolving nature of conflict management in Mali, where authorities have at times combined security operations with localized negotiations to reduce immediate threats. However, such arrangements are often viewed as short-term measures that do not address the underlying drivers of insurgency, including poverty, weak governance, and territorial control by armed groups.

While the temporary lull in attacks may provide relief to residents and businesses, analysts note that sustaining peace will likely require long-term strategies involving strengthened state presence, regional cooperation across the Sahel, and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.

For now, the arrangement appears to have restored some level of stability to fuel transportation routes, even as uncertainties remain over how long the ceasefire-like understanding will hold and whether similar negotiations may be used in the future to manage security challenges in Mali.

Mali Releases Over 100 Suspected Militants in Deal to Halt Fuel Convoy Attacks

Related Topics:attacks Fuel Convoy Mali militants

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Ghana Repatriates 44 Citizens Rescued from Trafficking Camps in Nigeria

Africa

Ghana Repatriates 44 Citizens Rescued from Trafficking Camps in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Ghana Repatriates 44 Citizens Rescued from Trafficking Camps in Nigeria

The Government of Ghana has confirmed the repatriation of 44 of its nationals who were trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of employment and travel, following a coordinated rescue operation involving Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities.

The victims, consisting of 27 males and 17 females, were discovered in two separate locations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria—Umo Ekpo in Ifuho community, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, and Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo Local Government Area. They were reportedly being held in camps linked to suspected trafficking and fraudulent recruitment networks.

According to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the individuals were handed over to Ghanaian officials after being extracted from the sites during a security operation. The intervention involved multiple Nigerian security agencies, including the Department of State Services, working in collaboration with Ghanaian authorities.

In a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims were rescued on March 16, 2026, and subsequently transported back to Accra, arriving on March 20. The ministry confirmed that the operation was the result of sustained intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation between both countries.

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Authorities revealed that the victims were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement and psychological coercion. Investigations also indicate that they were recruited through deceptive means, including social media platforms and informal recruitment channels, which are commonly used by trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting individuals.

Some of the victims were reportedly coerced into recruiting additional persons into the network, a tactic often used by traffickers to expand their operations while maintaining control over victims.

The Ghanaian government stated that it is now working with relevant agencies to provide support for the returnees, including rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration programs aimed at helping them recover from their ordeal and reintegrate into society.

The Ministry also commended Nigerian authorities for their swift response and cooperation in dismantling the trafficking network. It emphasized that ongoing collaboration between both countries remains critical in tackling transnational crimes such as human trafficking, which continues to affect vulnerable populations across West Africa.

Officials reiterated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals behind the trafficking operation, while efforts are being made to dismantle the broader criminal network responsible for the exploitation.

The ministry further urged the public to exercise caution when considering travel or job opportunities abroad, advising individuals to verify all offers through official channels and avoid engagement with unverified recruiters or agents.

Human trafficking remains a persistent challenge in the region, with authorities across West Africa intensifying efforts to curb recruitment scams and improve border monitoring, intelligence sharing, and victim protection mechanisms.

Ghana Repatriates 44 Citizens Rescued from Trafficking Camps in Nigeria

Africa

AfDB Approves $5.52m Grant to Boost Tax Administration Across West Africa

Published

1 week ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

AfDB Approves $5.52m Grant to Boost Tax Administration Across West Africa

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $5.52 million grant to strengthen tax administration systems and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation in West Africa, as governments across the region seek to expand fiscal capacity and reduce dependence on external borrowing.

The funding agreement was signed with the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) to implement a regional initiative known as the Strengthening Tax Administration Capacity Project in West Africa (STACP-WA). The programme is designed to modernise tax administration, strengthen governance structures, and improve efficiency in public revenue collection.

Funding for the initiative will come through the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing arm of the AfDB, under its Transition Support Facility, which focuses on supporting fragile and transitional states across Africa.

Speaking on the initiative, AfDB Director-General for Nigeria, Abdul B. Kamara, said strengthening tax administration capacity remains essential for West African economies seeking to increase fiscal space and finance development programmes sustainably.

According to him, improving tax systems will help governments enhance efficiency in revenue collection, curb financial leakages, and strengthen governance in both domestic taxation and the management of revenues from natural resources.

The project will be implemented by WATAF in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and national tax authorities across participating countries.

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Executive Secretary of WATAF, Jules Tapsoba, described the programme as a milestone for the region, noting that it represents the first region-wide tax administration initiative financed by the AfDB.

Tapsoba explained that the project will strengthen institutional capacity among tax authorities, promote knowledge sharing between revenue agencies, and support the adoption of modern digital tax technologies that improve compliance and enforcement.

The programme will directly support six West African countries — Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone — by providing technical assistance to modernise tax and customs administration systems.

Under the project, governments will receive support to improve oversight of natural resource revenues, strengthen transparency in public financial management, and deploy data-driven tax systems to improve efficiency in revenue collection.

Digital platforms and analytical tools are also expected to help reduce illicit financial flows, tax evasion, and revenue leakages, which have historically undermined public finances in several West African countries.

The initiative will also promote regional cooperation among tax authorities, support research on tax policy, and help align revenue systems with emerging economic frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The project is expected to run until July 30, 2030, with oversight provided by a Project Steering Committee made up of representatives from WATAF, ECOWAS, and participating countries. A dedicated Project Implementation Unit within WATAF will coordinate the programme’s day-to-day activities.

Experts say strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation remains critical for African economies, where low tax-to-GDP ratios, weak tax administration, and illicit financial flows continue to limit governments’ ability to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key development priorities.

AfDB Approves $5.52m Grant to Boost Tax Administration Across West Africa

Africa

Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Floods In Kenya, 62 Confirmed Dead

Published

1 week ago

March 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Floods In Kenya, 62 Confirmed Dead

At least 62 people have been killed in devastating floods in Kenya following days of intense rainfall that triggered widespread destruction across several parts of the country, authorities said.

The Kenyan government confirmed the fatalities on Saturday, saying the victims include 46 men, eight women and eight children who died as floodwaters swept through communities, destroyed homes and disrupted infrastructure.

In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said the deadly floods in Kenya have affected 18 counties, leaving nine people missing and forcing 12,338 households to flee their homes.

“The National Disaster Management Unit has confirmed the number of fatalities from floods has risen to 62, including 46 men, eight women and eight children,” the ministry said.

Authorities revealed that Nairobi recorded the highest number of casualties with 33 deaths, highlighting the severe impact of the Kenya flooding disaster in the capital city.

The Eastern region reported 17 deaths, while seven people died in the Rift Valley region.

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“Elsewhere, Nyanza and the Coast regions have each recorded two fatalities, while the Central region has reported one death. Several regions of the country continue to experience heavy rainfall,” the ministry added.

The severe flooding in Kenya has caused widespread disruption to daily life. Officials said floodwaters have rendered several roads and bridges impassable, damaged water supply systems, and caused power outages in affected communities.

Schools have also been affected as access roads were cut off by floodwaters, forcing temporary closures in some areas.

Authorities said the torrential rainfall has also damaged residential buildings, farms, markets and small businesses, threatening livelihoods in rural and urban communities.

In Nairobi, flash floods caused by overflowing rivers submerged roads and swept away vehicles in some neighborhoods, prompting emergency rescue operations by government agencies and humanitarian organizations.

As part of ongoing mitigation efforts, officials said a mapping exercise under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme has identified 37 flood-prone areas along major river corridors that remain highly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as the rainy season intensifies.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rainfall, flash floods and storms are expected in the coming days, raising fears that the Kenya flood death toll could increase.

Emergency responders, including disaster management teams and humanitarian agencies, are continuing search and rescue operations while providing assistance to displaced families across affected counties.