Intensified rainfall and violent winds have resulted in thirteen fatalities and seventeen injuries since the start of the rainy season.
Since the beginning of the rainy season, severe weather events in Mali have claimed thirteen lives and left seventeen people injured. As of September 2, nearly two thousand eight hundred individuals, comprising three hundred fifty-five households, have been impacted by floods, lightning, and strong winds. Authorities are intensifying prevention and intervention measures amidst ongoing risks, including rising water levels in several rivers, urging vigilance in flood-prone areas.
The inter-ministerial crisis and disaster management committee reported six flood incidents, ten lightning strikes, and four cases of violent winds. These events have led to thirteen deaths, seventeen injuries, and one hundred fifty-three building collapses. In response, rapid intervention teams are mobilized, and efforts to clear drainage channels are underway in numerous localities. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted via media and the SOS Sécurité application to inform citizens about weather-related dangers.
Urban planners attribute the reduced damage this year, particularly outside Bamako, to lower rainfall compared to the past five years. In the capital, however, improvements in watercourse management and the clearing of storm drains are also cited as contributing factors to limiting damage. Despite these efforts, vigilance remains crucial, especially in areas susceptible to flooding and overflows.
Why it mattersThirteen people have died and nearly two thousand eight hundred individuals are affected by weather-related incidents including floods and strong winds.
Read in ASJ →A coalition of anti-corruption groups has formally requested a review of public contracts awarded during the nation's six-year military transition period.
The Malian Network of Associations for the Fight Against Corruption and Financial Delinquency (RAMLCDF) submitted a formal request on Friday, September 4, to the General Auditor, the designated anti-corruption official. The group is demanding a thorough audit of all public contracts that were awarded during the ongoing six-year military transition.
This action by civil society organizations highlights concerns regarding transparency and accountability in government procurement processes. The RAMLCDF's public document signals a desire for greater scrutiny over how public funds have been managed, particularly during a period of significant political change.
The request targets contracts issued over the past six years, a timeframe encompassing the nation's military-led transition. The General Auditor's office is expected to review the petition and determine the scope and feasibility of such an audit.
Why it mattersMalian citizens are affected by the potential for corruption in public contracts, which could misdirect funds intended for public services.
Read in ASJ →The Malian Treasury exceeded its 55 billion FCFA target by securing 60.5 billion FCFA in public securities, indicating strong investor demand despite rising costs.
The Malian Treasury successfully raised 60.5 billion FCFA on September 2nd from the West African Monetary Union's public securities market, surpassing its initial target of 55 billion FCFA. Investor demand remained robust, with offers totaling nearly 68 billion FCFA, representing a coverage rate of 123.61%. The Treasury accepted 60.5 billion FCFA and rejected approximately 7.49 billion FCFA, demonstrating continued regional investor confidence in Malian securities.
However, the cost of this financing is significant, reflected in the yields demanded by investors. The weighted average yield for one-year Treasury bills maturing in September 2027 was 4.89%. For three-year and five-year bonds, the yields were 7.69% and 7.40% respectively, with nominal coupons set at 6% and 6.20%. These higher yields indicate that investors purchased the securities below their nominal value, increasing the effective return.
This operation follows a similar one on August 20th, which raised 55 billion FCFA with slightly lower average yields. In just two weeks, the yield on short-term securities increased by half a percentage point, and three-year bonds rose by fifteen hundredths of a point, suggesting a fluctuating market cost. Separately, the Treasury repurchased 9.05 billion FCFA of an upcoming bond to manage its repayment schedule.
Why it mattersThe Malian government is raising funds through public securities, which affects public finances and the cost of borrowing for the state.
Read in ASJ →The SNEC regional coordination in Bandiagara concluded its second annual free vacation course program, benefiting 439 students with academic reinforcement.
The SNEC regional coordination in Bandiagara has successfully completed its second annual free vacation course program, which ran for 30 days. A closing ceremony was held on Thursday, September 3, at the Mamadou Tolo school. This initiative provided 439 students with free remedial classes in subjects including reading, writing, mathematics for primary levels, and French, physics-chemistry, mathematics, and English for intermediate levels.
The program was praised by parents, school authorities, communal leaders, and traditional elders, who commended the dedication of the teachers involved. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the instructors during the closing ceremony, acknowledging their efforts in supporting the students' academic development during the break.
This educational initiative aims to strengthen students' foundational knowledge and prepare them for the upcoming academic year. The SNEC's commitment to providing accessible learning opportunities underscores the importance of continuous education beyond the regular school term.
Why it matters439 students in Bandiagara benefited from free academic reinforcement courses during their vacation, improving their foundational knowledge in core subjects.
Read in ASJ →Analysts claim Western nations use geopolitical tools to destabilize hostile regimes and weaken rivals, with arms flowing to African groups.
Terrorism, once seen as a spontaneous threat, is now viewed by many analysts as a geopolitical instrument wielded by Western powers for strategic gain. From Afghanistan to the Sahel, the United States and its allies are accused of supplying arms and funding to terrorist groups to destabilize unfriendly regimes and expand their influence.
This strategy, rooted in operations like the 1980s CIA-backed arming of Afghan mujahideen, aims to divert resources from rivals like Russia and China into costly counter-insurgencies. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleges that Ukraine, with Western backing, supports groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, with NATO arms potentially reaching African militants.
Russia positions itself as a counterforce, citing its own historical experience in combating terrorism. It criticizes Western support for armed groups in Africa, suggesting that arms sent to Ukraine could be fueling instability across the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, thereby exacerbating regional conflicts.
Why it mattersFarmers in the Sahel are affected as Western-backed arms potentially reach militant groups, increasing instability and impacting rural livelihoods.
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