Representatives of a European humanitarian mission were detained in Burkina Faso, allegedly for espionage.
On October 7, the world celebrates World Cotton Day, highlighting its importance for the economy and society, as well as International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the illegal visit of the ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to occupied Crimea on September 18-20. These actions are regarded as a blatant violation of international law and Ukrainian legislation.
Estonia will continue to provide aid to Ukraine at 0. 25% of its GDP, which amounts to over 100 million euros. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the support, including training and IT solutions in the defense sector.
The Russian PMC "Wagner" failed in Mali, not taking control of resources and intensifying violence. Relations with the junta are deteriorating, and the Kremlin has not gained access to gold mines.
Colonel Rivo Meimer reported the death of Estonian volunteer Olev Roost, who fought as part of the 3rd Separate Special Operations Regiment of Ukraine. Roost became the fifth Estonian volunteer to die in Ukraine, having experience serving in Afghanistan and Mali.
Russia is recruiting youth from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to produce attack drones in the Alabuga special economic zone. They are promised high salaries but are forced to assemble drones used for strikes against Ukraine.
A debate has arisen in Germany regarding the country's possible participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not rule out such a possibility, but society and politicians are divided in their opinions.
A French court has convicted the director of the company Anavim and two men of human trafficking, who worked in inhumane conditions during grape harvesting. The company was dissolved, and the culprits were ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
Igor Nesterov, a Wagner PMC mercenary and former trainer of Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin, was eliminated in Mali. He was killed during a "combat mission" in Northwest Africa.
Polish police uncovered an international group that kidnapped migrants in Poland and Latvia, demanding ransom. Among those detained are four Ukrainian citizens who were legally residing in Poland.
The presidents of the Russian Federation and Mali signed an agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy. The countries plan to expand bilateral trade and develop joint projects in energy, logistics, and mineral exploration.
Russian mercenaries from the Wagner PMC have created a network of secret prisons in Mali, where civilians are tortured and kidnapped. From 2023 to 2025, 668 people went missing.
Due to cuts in US aid, $98 million worth of food rations, enough for 3. 5 million people, are spoiling in warehouses. The Trump administration has cut programs, and supplies may be disposed of.
The US voted against a UN resolution on cooperation with the Council of Europe, which condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine. The resolution mentions Russian aggression and the establishment of a tribunal.
Côte d'Ivoire announced the withdrawal of 600 French troops from its territory. Senegal has also confirmed the closure of French military bases by the end of 2025, which weakens France's military influence in the region.
Jihadist militants carried out a series of attacks on six villages in the central region of Mali, killing more than 20 civilians. The attackers looted and burned the villages in the Bandiagara region, riding in on motorcycles.
Two attacks on civilians took place in the western part of Niger, killing 39 people. The attacks took place in the border region where jihadist groups are active.
An armed attack on a convoy of civilians in Niger killed 21 people. The incident occurred in the border region, where terrorist groups are active.
The Chadian government has announced the termination of a defense agreement with France that will lead to the withdrawal of 1,000 French troops. This decision may increase Russia's influence in the region through Wagner's activities and propaganda.
Chadian authorities have released a group of Russians and a Belarusian, including propagandist Maxim Shugaley, who is associated with the Wagner PMC. They were detained in September 2024 during the country's presidential election.
Le Monde has revealed the activities of Russian special services in training 60 Malian journalists to promote Moscow's interests in Africa. The training is conducted by the African Initiative agency, created to spread pro-Russian propaganda.
Major General Abdoulaye Maiga became the new Prime Minister of Mali after the resignation of his predecessor, who criticized the junta. The former prime minister condemned the military's inability to hold democratic elections as promised.
Mali and China's Beijing Auxin Chemical Technology Ltd have signed an agreement to build an explosives plant. Mali will receive a 51% stake in the plant, which is expected to be built in 12 months.
The UK has introduced the largest package of sanctions against the Russian military-industrial complex in a year. The restrictions will affect 28 suppliers of military equipment and 3 mercenary groups.
Ukraine denies any involvement in supplying drones to rebels in Mali and cooperation with terrorists. The MFA emphasizes the introduction of a system of control over weapons supplied by Western partners.
According to scientists, the first attempts of people to practice medicine were recorded about 30 thousand years ago. In the 18th and 19th centuries, medicine began to acquire modern features, as many scientific discoveries and inventions were made.
The Wagner Group has reported the death of Russian mercenaries taken prisoner in Mali. The Tuareg rebels refute these statements, claiming that all the captives are alive. The reason for the conflicting reports is unclear.
Niger's military government postponed the start of the school year to October 28 due to heavy rains and flooding. More than 300 people have died and 800,000 have been affected by the worst floods in 30 years in the region.
In Mali, 77 to 100 people were killed and 255 wounded in a series of jihadist attacks. The attacks targeted a military training center and the capital's airport, and were claimed by a group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
