Sahel Region in April 2026: the most important developments in security
The Sahel in April 2026 was defined by coordinated attacks across Mali that began on 25 April, described as the heaviest in years. Militant groups linked to al-Qaeda, including JNIM, hit military sites in several cities and near the capital, Bamako. Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed, and a curfew was imposed in Bamako. The Mali army said it killed more than 200 militants in response.
In the north, Tuareg rebels fought government forces and took the key town of Kidal on 27 April after days of street battles and the withdrawal of Russian forces. They also captured other towns and military bases. Rebel attacks caused casualties among Russia's Africa Corps and the rebels seized a drone base, and Russian forces were reported to have been pushed back in desert battles. Army airstrikes in Kidal kept tensions high. Mali's leader, Assimi Goita, gave his first speech since the attacks on 28 April and said the situation was under control. On 29 April France urged its citizens to leave Mali as soon as possible, citing escalating violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a coordinated international response to the spread of violence in the Sahel, and Jordan condemned the attacks.
Elsewhere in the region, clashes in eastern Chad over a water well left at least 42 people dead, and Chad arrested and deported Nigerians who were fleeing violence by militant groups. Mauritania's president called for closer military cooperation with France, and Togo presented Lome as a bridge in a new security strategy for the Sahel. The International Criminal Court awarded reparations to victims of war crimes in Mali.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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