AGP Executive Report

Mali Education Crisis: Mali’s 2026-2027 school year opened on Oct 1 with more than 2,400 schools still shut, leaving over 730,000 children out of class as insecurity and extremist groups keep turning classrooms into battlegrounds—Kidal and Ménaka are among the hardest hit. Human Rights & Accountability: Amnesty reports Malian forces and Russia’s Wagner committed war crimes against civilians in central and northern Mali, documenting killings and deadly drone strikes. Culture & Learning Access: CANAL+ and Nomad Education launch NOMAD+ across 17 French-speaking African countries (including Mali), with a Benin media-library renovation plan using tablets. Tech for Security & Farming: Mali and Egypt agree to cooperate on space technology, aiming to support security, counter-terrorism, agriculture monitoring, climate resilience, and telecoms. Regional Mobility: Tanzania removes the “referral visa” requirement for Nigerians, a move meant to boost tourism and trade. Food & Gender: UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push 11.7 million more women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk.

Education Crisis in Mali: Mali’s 2026–2027 school year opened Oct 1 with over 2,400 schools still closed, leaving more than 730,000 children out of class as jihadist violence keeps classrooms out of reach. Sahel Security & Accountability: Amnesty International says Malian forces and Russia’s Wagner committed war crimes against civilians in central and northern Mali, including killings and drone-strike deaths. Climate & Rural Livelihoods: In Dogon Country, women market gardeners are adapting to worsening rainfall and water shortages using traditional water-conservation methods. Tech for Security: Mali and Egypt agreed to cooperate on space technology, aiming to support security, counter-terrorism, agriculture, climate monitoring, and telecommunications. STEM Pressure Across West Africa: A wider regional report highlights falling interest in science tracks in countries including Mali, as fewer students choose maths and physics. Education Funding Partnerships: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and David Webb are backing efforts to bring out-of-school children back into primary education, including in Mali.

Education Crisis in Mali: Mali’s 2026–2027 school year opened on Oct 1 with more than 2,400 schools still shut, leaving over 730,000 children out of class as jihadist groups target schools, burn buildings, or turn them into shelters. Climate & Daily Life in Dogon Country: A new field report highlights how Dogon women market gardeners are adapting to worsening rainfall and water shortages with traditional water-saving methods. Rights & Accountability: Amnesty International renews pressure on Mali after documenting alleged war crimes by Malian forces and Wagner-linked personnel, including civilian killings and deadly drone strikes. Sahel Security Debate: A JNIM-claimed ambush on a Russian Africa Corps convoy near Niono sparks fresh questions about what comes next for security in central Mali. Culture & Diplomacy in Style: A look at Ghana’s UNGA appearance spotlights how West African garments and Adinkra symbolism carry political meaning on the world stage. Mali-Egypt Tech Co-op: Mali and Egypt agree to collaborate on space technology for security, counter-terrorism, agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster management, and telecoms. Payments for Everyday Life: BCEAO publishes an expanded list of 175 authorized players for interoperable instant payments (PI-SPI), including fintech and mobile money firms in Mali. Education Support Partnerships: EAA Foundation and David Webb back an initiative to enroll out-of-school children, including in Mali, through proceeds from a DJWE 2026 capsule collection.

Education Access Under Pressure: Mali’s new school year has started with over 2,400 schools still closed as insecurity and jihadist presence keep classrooms out of reach, even as the government calls the year “Education and Culture.” Philanthropy for Out-of-School Children: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is partnering with David Webb at DJWE 2026 to fund access to primary education via buildOn’s Enrol OOSC project, including work in Mali. Sahel Security Debate: A JNIM-claimed ambush hit a Russian Africa Corps convoy near Niono, sparking fresh questions about the shift from Wagner to Africa Corps and what it means for civilians in central Mali. Rights and Accountability: Amnesty International renewed pressure on Mali and Russia-linked forces, alleging war crimes including unlawful killings, torture, and drone strikes along the Mauritanian border between 2023 and 2025. Culture & Faith in the Public Sphere: TWR Africa explains its “Bless, Share, and Shine” giving model through a “five P’s” approach, while a Mali-linked cultural moment also appears in a broader heritage program spotlighting oral tradition and storytelling.

Mali Security & Accountability: Amnesty International released a new report accusing Mali’s army and Russia-linked Wagner/Africa Corps forces of war crimes along the Mauritanian border, documenting at least 34 civilian deaths in seven incidents (June 2023–Dec 2025), plus torture, enforced disappearances, looting and drone strikes. Sahel Security Debate: A deadly JNIM ambush hit a Russian Africa Corps convoy near Niono (Ségou) on 28 Sept, reigniting questions about Russia’s role after Wagner’s exit and whether Africa Corps patrol patterns are changing. Mali–Ukraine Diplomacy: Mali again took its case against Ukraine to the UN, alleging Kyiv aids jihadists and separatists in the Sahel, following reports of drone support. Education & Youth (Regional): Education Above All Foundation partnered with David Webb to fund access to primary schooling for children excluded from school, including in Mali via an enrolment and retention project. Culture & Learning: A new exhibit, “The Otherworld Is Home,” connects African history and spirituality through traditional and modern art, while Blantyre Arts Festival plans a renewed dance-and-poetry edition focused on empowering women, girls and young people.

Mali Accountability Watch: Amnesty International says Mali’s army and Russia’s Wagner-linked forces killed at least 34 civilians in seven incidents across Ségou, Mopti and Timbuktu between June 2023 and December 2025, with victims including pastoralist communities allegedly targeted by ethnicity; the report also alleges torture, enforced disappearances, looting and destruction of civilian property. Sahel Security Fallout: Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front claim drone attacks on Malian Army and Africa Corps positions in Goundam, underscoring how the conflict keeps shifting tactics. Drone Safety Debate: A new report warns that fast-growing drone use across parts of Africa—often with weak training and oversight—can put civilians at risk when targets are misjudged. Regional Culture & Travel: Tanzania removed Nigeria from its “referred visa” clearance category, while keeping referral requirements for Mali, Niger and others—another reminder of how mobility rules affect everyday life. Burkina Faso Lifestyle-Economy: Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery in Ouagadougou, pushing “economic sovereignty” by processing more gold at home.

War & Human Rights: Amnesty says Mali’s army and Russia-linked Wagner/Africa Corps committed war crimes, including murder and torture of at least 34 civilians in joint operations across Segou, Mopti and Timbuktu (June 2023–Dec 2025), with victims reportedly targeted by ethnicity and killed by shootings, throat-cutting or burning. Security Update: The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claims drone attacks on Malian Army and the Africa Corps in Goundam, as Bamako insists it controls the north through operations with Russian forces. Culture & Language: African Initiative presented a Bambara children’s book in Bamako—The Blockade Hippopotamus and the Girl in Bambara—translating a story set in besieged Leningrad, with Malian and Russian linguists and support from Sahel Perspective. Food & Lifestyle: Levenbank distillery plans a new whisky series using West African fonio, highlighting the grain’s drought resilience and deep roots in Mali’s cuisine and farming. Education & Community Resilience: A Radio Gurubaba report spotlights Tharu Indigenous disaster preparedness in Nepal, showing how local governance and early-warning roles can strengthen community safety. Regional Context: Burkina Faso opened its first gold refinery in Ouagadougou, aiming to keep more value from mining inside the country—an economic shift with clear Sahel ripple effects.

Mali Culture & Books: In Bamako, African Initiative presented a children’s book, The Blockade Hippopotamus and the Girl in Bambara, translating a story about kindness during the siege of Leningrad into Mali’s main language, with Malian and Russian linguists and support from the Russian-Malian association Sahel Perspective. Sahel Security & Politics: Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré marked four years in power, framing his rule as carrying Sankara’s legacy while pointing to harsher security realities, nationalised gold mines, and tighter political control. Regional Geopolitics: Algeria severed ties with the UAE, closing UAE airspace access and citing destabilising roles tied to Sahel tensions—another fault line with ripple effects for influence across North Africa and the region. Work & Livelihoods in Mali: Barrick reached a deal with unions at Mali’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine, averting a planned strike after negotiations over pay and working conditions. Migration & Human Stories: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including Gambians and Senegalese, with Malians among those onboard.

Burkina Faso Politics & Culture: Captain Ibrahim Traoré marks four years in power, framing his rule as a harsher continuation of Thomas Sankara’s “torch of renaissance,” with promises of national autonomy and tighter control. Health & Memory: Liberia’s Ebola survivors and families still face long-term trauma, health effects, and education disruption a decade after the outbreak was declared over. Justice Explained: A new explainer breaks down how the ICC works—its reach, why it targets leaders, and the limits of having no police force. Sahel Security & Resources: Niger’s UNGA speeches intensify claims of “imported and sponsored” terrorism and resource-driven recolonization, naming France and linking the Sahel’s violence to uranium and gold. Mali Economy & Work: Barrick reaches a deal with Mali miners at Loulo-Gounkoto, averting a planned strike after negotiations on overtime, reimbursements, and labour terms. Public Health Policy: Future Health convenes leaders at UNGA to push prevention-focused health systems, with Mali among participating countries. Family Planning Gains: A regional review highlights how the Ouagadougou Partnership helped avert millions of unintended pregnancies—while warning gains remain fragile amid shifting funding. Migration Watch: Mauritanian coast guards rescue 260 migrants off Nouakchott, including Malians, as maritime irregular routes continue toward the Canary Islands.

Mali Labour & Work: Barrick reaches a deal with unions at the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine, averting a planned strike after talks over overtime, mission expenses, and contractor compliance. Sahel Migration & Human Stories: Mauritanian coast guards rescued 260 migrants off Nouakchott, including Senegalese, Gambians, and Malians, with women and children among those onboard. Health & Prevention: Future Health convened global leaders at UNGA 81, pushing health systems toward prevention, earlier intervention, and trusted community care—Mali included among participants. Culture & Sport: SuperSport secured rights to beam AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with matchday action already underway. Digital Culture: YouTube is highlighted as a global stage for African artistes, with Mali named among countries reaching new audiences through online music. Education in Crisis: Ghana hosts a high-level conference on scaling education initiatives in emergencies, focusing on keeping children learning during conflict and displacement.

Mali Security & Society: Reports keep spotlighting Mali’s worsening crisis, with fresh focus on the human cost of jihadist assaults and the strain on civilians and trade as the AES and the junta’s security pivot face mounting pressure. Sahel Sovereignty & Resources: Niger’s PM Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine used UNGA to frame the Sahel conflict as a fight for sovereignty over uranium and other minerals, praising the AES (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) while accusing France and Ukraine of destabilisation. UN Reform, Africa’s Seat: Nigeria’s Tinubu and VP Shettima pushed hard at UNGA for Security Council reform—at least two permanent African seats with veto rights—arguing the 1945 power structure can’t govern 2026. Health & Prevention Talk: Future Health convened global leaders, including Mali, to shift health systems toward prevention and earlier intervention. Culture & Creative Economy: YouTube continues to boost African artistes’ reach, with Mali mentioned among audiences discovering new sounds. Tourism Watch: A World Economic Forum index put Mali last for travel and tourism conditions, underscoring how hard it is to turn demand into lasting value.

UN Reform & African Representation: Nigeria’s Tinubu and VP Shettima used UNGA 81 to demand a radical Security Council overhaul—at least two permanent African seats with veto rights plus five non-permanent seats—arguing the 1945 power setup no longer fits 2026 and that Africa can’t keep carrying the agenda from the margins. Sahel Security & Displacement: UN refugee chief urged the UNSC to end wars uprooting 117M people, warning “humanitarians can’t create peace,” while Mali and Burkina Faso were flagged for millions displaced. Mali Frontline Update: In central Mali, Djenné reportedly fell to JNIM in a fast assault, exposing vulnerabilities as Bamako weighs the next security pivot. Resource Politics at the UN: Niger’s PM Zeine accused France and Ukraine of Sahel destabilisation, framing the fight as sovereignty over uranium and other resources. Culture & Media: YouTube continues boosting African artistes globally, with M’Kido highlighting direct audience reach beyond borders; Pope Leo XIV also called French Catholic youth to “holiness, peace” in a major stadium vigil. Tourism & Mobility: A new index says Mali ranks last in travel conditions, while visa rules across Africa remain a major barrier to regional integration.

Mali Security Shock: JNIM (Al-Qaeda-linked) reportedly overran Djenné’s strategic outpost on Sept 24, seizing equipment and exposing major weaknesses as Bamako’s military has yet to publish full casualty details. Regional Diplomacy: UNGA speeches from Nigeria’s Tinubu/Shettima keep pushing for UN Security Council reform—at least two permanent African seats with veto rights—while warning that propaganda can shield perpetrators from justice. Humanitarian Pressure: UN refugee chief urged the UNSC to end wars that uproot millions, noting huge displacement across Mali and Burkina Faso and calling for protection of refugees. Sahel Sovereignty Row: Niger’s PM Zeine accused France (with Ukraine’s “complicity”) of destabilising the Sahel, framing it as a fight over resources and control. Culture & Media: YouTube is boosting African artistes globally—M’Kido says the platform lets Mali and other audiences discover his multilingual sound. Health & Travel: A WEF index flags Mali at the bottom for tourism conditions, while Nigeria’s Ebola funding faces scrutiny over whether preparedness gaps were actually closed.

Mali Security: Djenné’s fall to JNIM (Al-Qaeda-linked) on Sept 24 is reported as a rapid, heavy-loss assault on a key RN6 crossroads, with militants seizing vehicles and weapons as Bamako’s general staff stays silent—fueling fresh fears for the Mopti region and wider blockade risks. Sahel Terror Spillover: Separate reports from Niger say Islamic State attacks killed at least 57 security personnel across Tahoua and near the Malian border, underscoring how jihadist pressure keeps spreading. UN & Africa’s Voice: Nigeria’s UNGA push—via VP Kashim Shettima and Tinubu’s message—re-centers Security Council reform, demanding at least two permanent African seats with veto rights, plus climate and finance changes, while warning that propaganda and “1945” power rules can’t deliver justice. Culture & Music: Manding collaboration news: Malian guitarist Habib Koité and Gambian kora player Sura Susso announce a UK tour starting Oct 22, spotlighting griot storytelling through new album material. Lifestyle/Travel: A new tourism index flags Mali at the bottom (110th), while visa rules across Africa remain a major barrier to intra-regional travel.

UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, speaking via VP Kashim Shettima at UNGA81, renewed the push for Africa to get at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power plus five non-permanent seats, arguing the 1945 power order can’t govern the 2026 world. Regional Security & Terrorism: Shettima also warned that strong national defenses can’t stop cross-border threats like terrorism and cyber attacks, stressing education, jobs, accountable governance and human rights alongside military action. Mali Security Shock: Central Mali is reeling after Djenné fell to JNIM (Al-Qaeda-linked) in a fast assault on Sept. 24, raising fears of fuel blockades and wider pressure on the Mopti region as Bamako’s military has yet to release full casualty details. Humanitarian Health: MSF says cancer care is possible in resource-limited settings, sharing its Mali experience at the World Cancer Congress while calling for faster access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for women. Culture & Music: Malian guitarist Habib Koité and Gambian kora player Sura Susso are set to tour the UK with Manding Melody shows celebrating griot storytelling through new material.

UN Reform Push: Nigeria’s President Tinubu, via VP Kashim Shettima at the UN General Assembly, renewed the demand for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa with veto rights, arguing the 1945 power setup no longer fits 2026 realities. Education in Emergencies: Ghana will host a high-level conference in Accra (Sept. 29–30) on scaling education during crises, focusing on what works when schools close, how to move beyond pilots, and how to finance resilience. Humanitarian Call: UNHCR chief Barham Salih urged Middle East leaders to break the cycle of war and displacement, warning that “lost opportunities” from conflict waste lives and talent. Mali Security & Families: Reports from Mali highlight the human cost of jihadist attacks, including families left in uncertainty after the Dioura camp assault, while analysts say the junta’s northern strategy is weakening counterterrorism. Health & Women: MSF says cancer care is possible in Mali even in resource-limited settings, but calls for faster access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—especially for women. Culture & Language: Rossotrudnichestvo plans to expand “Russian House” centres across Africa, including Mali, aiming to grow Russian language, education, and cultural projects.