Mali Roundup: Algeria slammed for interference, politician jailed, religious leader abducted
Mali slams Algeria for ‘persistent’ interference in its internal affairs
Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Algeria for its "persistent" interference in Mali's internal affairs, following comments from Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf regarding Mali's counter-terrorism strategy. Mali stated that its security decisions are sovereign and accused Algeria of supporting terrorist groups destabilizing the country. According to Morocco World News, The Malian ministry emphasized its military successes against Algeria-backed groups and criticized Algeria's condescending attitude, urging it to address its internal issues instead. This incident highlights ongoing tensions, with Mali frequently accusing Algeria of harbouring separatist insurgents.
Mali court jails dissident politician over remarks about Burkina junta
Mali court has sentenced dissident Issa Kaou N'Djim to two years in prison, with one year suspended, for remarks about Burkina Faso's junta. He was fined 1 million CFA francs ($1,600) by the national anti-cybercrime office. N'Djim's comments were made on Joliba TV News, which was subsequently closed by authorities. His jailing follows the abduction of another opposition figure, Ibrahim Naby Togola, raising concerns over repression in Mali, where military regimes have curtailed press freedoms. N'Djim, a former vice-president of Mali’s National Transitional Council, had previously been convicted for similar offences, Citizen Digital reports.
Prominent Malian religious leader abducted
An esteemed religious leader, Amadou Hady Tall, was abducted by armed men in Mali near the Mauritanian border, according to a security official and a family source on Saturday, December 28. Tall, the calif of the Tijaniyyah—the largest Sufi order in West Africa—is known for his advocacy of non-violence. His political and religious beliefs contrast sharply with the strict, literal interpretation of Islam promoted by jihadist groups in the Sahel region. His disappearance occurred on Friday, December 27, while he was returning from a religious pilgrimage called a ziyara, and no group has yet claimed responsibility, Barron's reports.
Hummingbird secures $35.6M loan to support Mali subsidiary
Hummingbird Resources PLC has secured a $35.6 million loan to refinance its Mali subsidiary, Société des Mines de Komana (SMK). The loan has a 9% interest rate, is due on December 31, 2025, and is unsecured, although it will be backed by existing security to Coris Bank International. This refinancing aims to alleviate financial pressures and help the company attain self-sustaining cash flows. The terms were deemed fair by Hummingbird's independent directors. Interim CEO Geoff Eyre highlighted the importance of support from Coris during challenging times. Hummingbird operates the Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali and is involved in several projects across West Africa, Investing.com.
Qatar Charity's residential village in Mali set to benefit 10,000 people
Qatar Charity (QC) has inaugurated a residential village in N'Gabacoro Droit, Mali, built on two hectares at a cost of over QR4.5 million. The project aims to provide safe housing, enhance healthcare and education, and ensure access to clean drinking water for approximately 10,000 people. The village includes 66 housing units, a health centre, a mosque, a primary school, a Qur'an memorisation centre, and two wells. As reported by Gulf Times, Qatar's ambassador to Mali highlighted the partnership with local authorities and the project's alignment with Qatar's commitment to human dignity. Community leaders expressed gratitude for the significant improvement in living conditions for families previously living in straw huts.
