Latest news with #Malians
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
Over 128 tons of narcotics incinerated in Mali
BAMAKO, June 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 128 tons of narcotics were incinerated on Thursday in Mali as part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Central Office for Narcotics Control (OCS) announced on Friday. The incinerated substances were seized across Malian territory between June 27, 2024, and June 26, 2025, and included psychotropic drugs, counterfeit medicines, hookah devices, and drug-related accessories, the OCS said in a press release. The market value of these substances is estimated in the tens of billions of CFA francs (10 billion CFA francs is approximately 17.8 million U.S. dollars), the statement added. "This incineration operation aims to show the public that these dangerous substances can only be destroyed through incineration. They are burned to protect the health of our population from the harmful effects of their consumption," OCS Director Fousseny Keita was quoted in the statement. "Mali is considered a transit country for narcotics and psychotropic substances," he noted, expressing the regret that much of this trafficking is carried out by Malians, most of whom are young people aged between 15 and 45.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine seeks African allies through food and diplomacy
STORY: In its battle against Russia, Ukraine isn't just focusing its efforts on the frontline but also in places like this, Mauritania in West Africa. In what has become an increasingly global struggle, Kyiv is on a diplomatic push to win friends in Africa. It recently opened an embassy in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott - one of eight set up on the continent since Russia's 2022 invasion. One of the main tools at its diplomatic disposal has been food. Under the 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative, launched towards the end of 2022, it has sent nearly 300,000 metric tonnes of food aid to the continent. "Food, animal food, anything you have on your table can be from Ukraine." At an embassy in Kinshasa, opened in 2024, Ukraine's ambassador to Congo Vasylan Hamianin said Ukraine has to "be active to gain friends". "And Ukraine has a lot of things to present, a lot of things to propose, and a lot of things to get involved with on the African continent." In Mauritania, the food aid has mostly been destined for Mbera - West Africa's largest refugee camp. It houses a soaring number of Malians fleeing violence across the border. Mali, ruled by a junta since coups in 2020 and 2021, has turned away from its traditional Western allies and embraced Russia. It employed mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group to help it battle militants and separatist rebels. Ukraine's diplomatic ambitions, however, extend beyond humanitarian aid. Amid rising tensions between Mauritania and Mali, it's also offering to train Mauritanian soldiers. That's according to Ukraine's top envoy to Africa, Maksym Subkh. '...Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering the threats we face here in Ukraine. And I mean, first and foremost, Wagner and similar paramilitary groups — terrorist organizations that are actively destabilizing security and stability across a number of countries in the Sahel region." The Mauritanian government and Russia's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Early in the war, many African countries declined to take Ukraine's side at the United Nations. That's even as the Russian bombing of Ukrainian ports curtailed exports of food and fertilizer, driving up prices on the continent. Ukraine also faces significant challenges in competing with Russia's much more established presence on in Africa. Moscow's soldiers and mercenaries operate in several West and Central African countries. Russian mining companies are entrenched in the Sahel region. In June, the Kremlin said Russia would increase its own cooperation with African countries including in sensitive areas such as defense. And there have been setbacks for Ukraine. A planned Africa summit in Kyiv was downgraded to a video conference after it became clear the October event would be a flop. Moscow hosted a well-attended Africa summit in 2023. Tim Murithi, of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town said that, initially, Ukraine's policy seemed "fairly incoherent". "But I think you saw this transition gradually towards a much more focused approach." Murithi said this can be shown in President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's engagement with the African Union and with African leaders at U.N. meetings. In April, Zelenskiy became the first Ukrainian president to visit South Africa, a close Russia ally. He played up potential deals on energy, fertilizer production and security. And he also called for recognition of Ukraine's struggle, something that Subkh says Kyiv wants to persuade African countries has parallels with their own battle against European colonialism. "It's important that the African people understand that Ukraine is also struggling for its own freedom, independence and sovereignty." Back at the embassy in Congo's Kinshasa, Ukrainian patches and medals sit alongside a picture of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. And on the wall, a Chinese banner. "'Fight, Resilience,' so we fight - fight for independence, fight for happiness, fight for our loved ones. That's very important for me so I have it like that."
CAF
21-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024: Mali Team Profile
How the team qualified Mali qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations by demonstrating clear dominance throughout the qualifiers. In the first round, the Eagle Ladies faced the Central African Republic. The first leg, played in Douala on 22 September 2023, ended in an attacking showcase with a 7-1 victory, notably featuring a hat-trick from Agueissa Diarra and goals from Fatou Dembélé, Aïssata Traoré, Bintou Koité, and Aminata Doumbia. In the return leg in Bamako, the Malians comfortably wrapped up qualification with a 3-1 win, taking the aggregate score to 10-2. In the second round, they faced Guinea and once again impressed. On 29 November in Bamako, they secured a 7-2 win, and completed qualification in Conakry on December 5 with a 3-0 victory. Across both rounds, Mali scored 20 goals and conceded only 3, earning one of the most convincing records in the qualifiers. TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON history This is Mali's 8th appearance. Their best result to date is a 4th place finish in 2018 in Ghana, after a 4-2 loss to Cameroon in the third-place match. Players to Watch Agueissa Diarra: The current star of the Malian team. Developed at FC Super Lionnes in Bamako, this talented forward joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023—a prestigious club where she plays alongside international stars. Her rapid development at club level has provided her with valuable experience at the top level of European football, which she now brings to her national team. Fast, powerful, and with a keen eye for goal, Diarra stood out during the 2024 qualifiers with a hat-trick against the Central African Republic. She is Mali's top offensive weapon, capable of changing a match with individual brilliance. Aïssata Traoré: The embodiment of elegance in midfield. Currently playing for FC Fleury 91 in France's top division, she's known for her passing quality, vision, and ability to control the tempo. At 28, she brings solid experience on the continental stage, having featured in several AFCON campaigns, notably the 2018 tournament where she was one of the key players in Mali's fourth-place finish. Gifted with an excellent left foot, she excels in quick transitions and through balls. Her tactical awareness and technical precision make her a cornerstone of Mali's midfield. A quiet leader, she will be key in guiding younger players in a squad that blends experience with youthful energy. Mohamed Saloum 'Housseï' was appointed head coach of the Malian women's national team in 2021. Since taking charge, he has focused on rebuilding the squad with a mix of local talent and players based abroad to enhance the team's competitiveness on the continental stage. His tactical approach emphasizes a balance between defensive discipline and attacking expression, with a special focus on tactical structure. Housseï favors a compact unit capable of moving together as a block, while relying on creative midfielders and fast, incisive forwards like Agueissa Diarra. He also values the versatility and game intelligence of his players, enabling the team to switch between short-possession play and rapid transitions. Ambitions and Group Analysis Mali will compete in Group C of the competition—a challenging group that includes reigning champions South Africa, continental regulars Ghana, and an improving Tanzania. South Africa will most likely be their toughest opponents. Ghana is a familiar rival for Mali, with numerous past encounters in high-stakes matches. Tanzania, often underestimated, has shown clear progress in recent years thanks to better youth development structures and promising results in the CECAFA region. Aware of the challenges ahead, head coach Mohamed Saloum 'Housseï' approaches this final phase with ambition. With a squad that blends local youth and Europe-based experience, Mali is aiming for at least a quarter-final berth, while also hoping to reach a new milestone in its continental journey.
Observer
15-06-2025
- General
- Observer
Ancient Malian city celebrates annual replastering of mosque
Thousands of Malians have replastered the iconic earthen mosque in the historic city of Djenne during an annual ceremony that helps preserve the World Heritage site. To the sound of drums and festive music, townsmen on Thursday coated the towering three-minaret mosque with fresh mud plaster. The annual replastering with 'banco' — a mix of earth and water — shields the mosque from harsh weather ahead of the Sahel region's often violent rainy season. 'This mosque belongs to the whole world,' said Aboubacar Sidiki Djiteye, his face streaked with mud as he joined the 'unifying' ritual. 'There's no bigger event in Djenne than this,' he said. 'Replastering the mosque is a tradition handed down from generation to generation,' said Bayini Yaro, one of the women tasked with carrying water for the plaster mix. MALI-RELIGION-HISTORY-ARCHITECTURE Locals prepared the mix themselves, combining water, earth, rice bran, shea butter and baobab powder — a hallmark of Sahel-Sudanese architecture. Chief mason Mafoune Djenepo inspected the fresh coating. 'The importance of this mosque is immense. It's the image on all Malian stamps,' he said. A blessing ceremony followed the replastering, with Quran verses recited in the mosque courtyard. Participants then shared dates and sweets. First erected in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1907, the mosque is considered the world's largest earthen structure, according to the United Nations' cultural body, Unesco. Djenne, home to around 40,000 residents and known for preserving its traditional banco houses, has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1988. Local communities, alongside international organisations like Unesco, are actively working to safeguard Djenne's architectural legacy. Initiatives include repair projects and sustainable tourism programmes aimed at promoting awareness and funding for conservation efforts. The people of Djenne, primarily of Songhai and Bozo descent, uphold these traditions as vital symbols of their identity and history. Women often participate in the nuanced craft of mural decoration, while elders transmit techniques through apprenticeships. Despite challenges, community-led efforts and governmental support underscore a collective commitment to preserving Djenne's unique heritage. These banco houses not only serve as residences but also as cultural landmarks, contributing to Djenne's status as a Unesco World Heritage site. Their preservation ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate the town's historical significance and architectural beauty amidst a rapidly changing world. The site was added to the endangered heritage list in 2016 due to its location in central Mali, where a group of fighters linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as ethnic militias and criminal gangs, have waged a violent insurgency since 2012. — AFP
Kuwait Times
15-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Ancient Malian city celebrates annual replastering of mosque
People carry buckets full of mud on their heads during the re-plastering of the Great Mosque of Djenne in Djenne.-AFP Thousands of Malians have replastered the iconic earthen mosque in the historic city of Djenne during an annual ceremony that helps preserve the World Heritage site. To the sound of drums and festive music, townsmen on Thursday coated the towering three-minaret mosque with fresh mud plaster. The annual replastering with "banco" -- a mix of earth and water -- shields the mosque from harsh weather ahead of the Sahel region's often violent rainy season. "This mosque belongs to the whole world," said Aboubacar Sidiki Djiteye, his face streaked with mud as he joined the "unifying" ritual. "There's no bigger event in Djenne than this," he told AFP. "Replastering the mosque is a tradition handed down from generation to generation," said Bayini Yaro, one of the women tasked with carrying water for the plaster mix. Locals prepared the mix themselves, combining water, earth, rice bran, shea butter and baobab powder -- a hallmark of Sahel-Sudanese architecture. Chief mason Mafoune Djenepo inspected the fresh coating. "The importance of this mosque is immense. It's the image on all Malian stamps," he said. A blessing ceremony followed the replastering, with Quranic verses recited in the mosque courtyard. Participants then shared dates and sweets. First erected in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1907, the mosque is considered the world's largest earthen structure, according to the United Nations' cultural body, UNESCO. Djenne, home to around 40,000 residents and known for preserving its traditional banco houses, has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1988. The site was added to the endangered heritage list in 2016 due to its location in central Mali, where jihadist fighters linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as ethnic militias and criminal gangs, have waged a violent insurgency since 2012.--AFP
