Issued on: 30/04/2026 - 15:08

In Mali, rebels have called for Russian forces to withdraw, with the pullback from Kidal highlighting growing pressure despite Moscow’s claims of success and its habit of blaming external actors. For Jumo Ayandela, specialist in African politics and security at the New York University, this reflects a wider narrative battle increasingly questioning Russia’s role across the Sahel, while the interview also covers Mali’s leadership, jihadist forces and technological capabilities.

Keywords for this article

Ebola a 'terrifying disease': Conflict-ravaged DRC faces overburdened healthcare system

South Africa shootings leave 27 killed

Femicides on the rise in South Africa

‘Super El Niño’ deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan says UN

Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party wins parliamentary election

Heavy fighting on multiple fronts between Ethiopian forces and rebel groups

Ethiopia: what's driving the renewed violence in Tigray?

Senegal: power cuts return as Dakar swelters in the heat

Ethiopia: Tigray rebels claim "full-blown war"

Ethiopia: renewed Tigray fighting raises fears of return to civil war

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.