France reducing diplomatic staff in Mali due to insecurity: ministry
Paris (AFP) Nov 21, 2025
France is reducing the number of its diplomatic staff in Mali due to a deteriorating security situation in the west African country which has been hit by a jihadist fuel blockade, a foreign ministry source said on Friday. ... more
Niger junta taxes consumer imports to fund anti-jihadist fight as jihadist attack kills 10 soldiers
Niamey, Niger (AFP) Nov 21, 2025
Niger's military regime has introduced new taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and other imports to help fund its fight against jihadists on its territory, authorities told AFP on Friday. ... more
Pentagon chief calls on Nigeria to stop violence against Christians
Washington (AFP) Nov 21, 2025
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, urging Africa's most populous nation to take steps to curb violence against Christians, the Pentagon said Friday. ... more