Sahel Region in April 2026: the most important developments in politics
In the Sahel in April 2026, the most widely reported political story was a statement by Burkina Faso's military leader on 3 April that the country should forget democracy.
Mali drew the most attention afterwards. Mali's Tuareg rebels announced a deal for the withdrawal of Russia's Africa Corps from Kidal, and Moscow rejected the rebels' call for a Russian withdrawal from Mali. Mali thanked the Africa Corps for helping to thwart an attempted coup, and questions were raised about Russian influence in the country after the death of a Russian general. Mali's leader Assimi Goita met the Russian ambassador, according to the presidency. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi while challenges mounted for the Africa Corps in Mali. France urged its citizens to leave Mali as soon as possible, citing security risks, and was reported to be facing difficulties in addressing the crisis. Egypt condemned terrorist attacks in Mali, and Mali supported Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara.
Elsewhere, Senegal's parliament backed an electoral reform that could allow Ousmane Sonko to run for president. Pope Leo XIV concluded an African tour in Equatorial Guinea, where he faced a diplomatic challenge.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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