Deadly Attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso Leave Dozens Dead

At least 49 civilians have been killed in an attack by Islamist militants on a river boat in north-eastern Mali, according to the interim government. The militants also targeted an army camp, resulting in the deaths of 15 soldiers, while around 50 militants were reportedly killed. Despite claims by the military that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are making progress, the Islamist threat in Mali continues to grow, with recent attacks on transport and the ongoing blockade of Timbuktu. Mali has been under military rule since 2020, but little progress has been made in combating the control of Islamist groups in parts of the country.