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Tag: Mali

Native Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Scamming Fans With Mali AFCON Victory Claims

Wale busari03 mins

A self-proclaimed marabout was arrested in Bamako for allegedly defrauding football fans by promising victory for the Mali national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. The man, identified as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly collected over 22 million CFA francs, roughly €33,500, from supporters before Mali’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal. He is now being held by the cybercrime division on charges of fraud. Two videographers who visited him confirmed his detention, noting that authorities had delayed action while the tournament was ongoing. According to a social media content creator close to Sinayogo, the man, formerly a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.” Mali’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals ended in Tangiers on January 9 when recalled Senegal striker Iliman Ndiaye scored in the first half. The match turned further against Mali when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half added time after receiving a second yellow card. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made a string of outstanding saves, but a costly error allowed Senegal to take the lead. Senegal, the 2022 champions, will face either title-holders Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals. Ndiaye, who was named player of the match, said, “I am happy to have won the award, but the most important thing is we have progressed to the semi-finals. We played well and are constantly improving.” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw added, “It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals.” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said, “It was a difficult match for us because we had to play with 10 men. I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.” Earlier in the match, Bissouma was yellow-carded for fouling Senegal forward Sadio Mane, while Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko was denied by a brilliant sliding tackle from Senegal’s Krepin Diatta.

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Senegal Defeat Mali 1–0 To Advance To AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

Wale busari02 mins

Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals in Tangier, booking their spot in the semi-finals. The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. Mali’s hopes were further hampered when Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was shown a second yellow card in added time before halftime, reducing the Eagles to ten men. The win reinforces Senegal’s dominance over Mali, keeping the Lions of Teranga unbeaten against their neighbours and marking their fifth appearance in an AFCON semi-final. The team also extends an impressive streak of 15 consecutive matches without defeat in the tournament. Mali had advanced from the Round of 16 via penalties against Tunisia but struggled to break through Senegal’s organised defence. The Eagles, who had drawn all their matches in regulation time prior to this game, exit the tournament without reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2013. Senegal now move closer to AFCON glory and will face a high-stakes semi-final clash as the tournament reaches its concluding stages.

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Motsepe Insists 2025 AFCON Will Proceed In Morocco Despite Nationwide Protests

Morocco 2025: Mali, Senegal Favored Against Tunisia, Sudan

Wale busari012 mins

The Round of 16 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous Africa Cup of Nations finals in history begins on Saturday evening, with two matches each on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and with expectations high on the parts of playing personnel, coaching crews, supporters and stakeholders of the beautiful game on the continent. Senegal Vs Sudan (Grand Stade de Tanger: Saturday, 5pm) The Lions of Teranga are making their 17th AFCON appearance and must be fancied to progress to the Round of 8, against the Falcons of Jediane. They will miss their defence bulwark Kalidou Koulibaly, who will not be available for the duel in Tangier. While Senegal finally claimed the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon after a number of runner-up positions, Sudan were victorious on home soil in 1970. The Falcons are making their 10th AFCON appearance, while the Lions are here for the 17th time. Sudan are coached by Ghanaian James Kwesi Appiah, and Senegal by Pape Thiaw. Mali Vs Tunisia (Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca: Saturday, 8pm) Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles finished second in Group C, won by Nigeria, and should expect an explosive encounter against the Eagles of Mali. The North African giants are the AFCON’s most consistent team, appearing in their 17th consecutive finals, and 22nd overall. They won the title on home soil in 2004. Mali’s Eagles finished as runners-up at the 1972 finals in Cameroon. They are coached by Belgian Tom Saintfiet, while Tunisia have former captain Sami Trabelsi as the head coach. Morocco Vs Tanzania (Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah: Sunday, 5pm) The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, see this tournament as one specially carved for them to win. They started well and finished the group phase with aplomb, hammering 2012 champions Zambia 3-0. They are making their 20th appearance in a competition they have won only once before – when the event was staged on league basis in Ethiopia in 1976. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi have three goals each in the tournament, and captain Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat are stalwarts to be respected. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are in the Round of 16 despite finishing third in Group C with two points. Captain Mbwana Samatta will push his team-mates to attain the kind of form they did in holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in their last match of the group phase. The Stars are making only their fourth appearance at the AFCON, and have set a record of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa Vs Cameroon (Stade El Barid, Rabat: Sunday, 8pm) Champions on home soil in 1996, the Bafana Bafana will fancy their chances against a Cameroonian side that entered the tournament in chaos, but has managed to steady things and cobble together a structure. Cameroon have won the title on five occasions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017) and are fancied to make this encounter difficult for Bafana. David Pagou, leading Cameroon from the dug-out, will bank on Etta Eyong and Bryan Mbeumo to take the battle to the Bafana and get early goals. Cameroon are making their 21st appearance while the Bafana are making only their 11th. Egypt Vs Bénin Republic (Grand Stade d’Agadir: Monday, 5pm) Seven-time champions Egypt, coached by former captain Hossam Hassan, are seen as one of the favourites. Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Hany, Mahmoud Trezeguet and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy (picked as goalkeeper of the group phase) can turn a game on its head in a couple of minutes. This is Egypt’s 27th AFCON appearance. Bénin will be no push-overs in Agadir. Coach Gernot Rohr is an old war-horse and has captain Khaled Adénon and Steve Mounié to drive his gameplan. Nigeria Vs Mozambique (Complexe Sportif de Fès: Monday, 8pm) Nigeria, three-time champions, have never lost in five previous meetings with The Mambas of Mozambique. Their only AFCON meeting ended in a 3-0 thrashing for the southern Africans in Angola 16 years ago, with a brace by Peter Odemwingie and one by Obafemi Martins. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and some of the other first-teamers rested for the clash with Uganda are expected to return, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the search for goals. The Super Eagles are making their 21st AFCON appearance. The Mambas are making only their fifth AFCON appearance, but gave Cameroon a tough time in their final group phase clash in Agadir on Wednesday. Their best outing before now has been a quarter-final berth in 2021. Algeria Vs DR Congo (Complexe Sportif Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan: Tuesday, 5pm) Two-time winners in 1990 and 2019, the Fennecs are making their 20th AFCON appearance, and have a talisman who almost always delivers. They won four of their matches in qualifying, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two. Captain Riyad Mahrez is to be feared all the time he touches the ball, and he has Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah as able assistants. DR Congo are highly motivated by qualification for the final FIFA World Cup Playoff Tournament in Mexico, where they will play only one match to qualify for the finals. They have captain Chancel Mbemba to lead the orchestra, with Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Meshack Elia also in great form. Cote d’Ivoire Vs Burkina Faso (Grand Stade de Marrakech: Tuesday, 8pm) Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire face tough customers Stallions of Burkina Faso for a place in the Round of 8, with their neighbours to the north desirous of stopping their march towards retaining the title. Runners-up in 2013 in South Africa (to Nigeria), Burkina Faso will throw the kitchen sink at their more illustrious neighbours, and they have captain Bertrand Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba to lead their charge. Heroes of their 2023 triumph, Franck Kessie, Simon Adingra, Oumar Diakite and Serge Aurier are still available, and whichever team under-rates the Elephants does so at its own peril. ROLL OF HONOURS Year Winner Score Runner-up Host 1957 Egypt 4-0 Ethiopia Sudan 1959 Egypt 2-1 Sudan Egypt…

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Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Retaliatory Travel Restrictions on US Citizens

Wale busari02 mins

Mali and Burkina Faso have responded to the US travel ban by imposing restrictions on American citizens. In statements released separately and reviewed by AFP on Wednesday, both countries’ foreign ministries said they would apply “equivalent measures” after President Donald Trump expanded the US travel ban this month to nearly 40 nations based solely on nationality. The US restrictions targeted Syrian citizens, Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals from several of Africa’s poorest countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The White House said the ban aimed to block foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans. Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry confirmed it was introducing “equivalent visa measures” for US citizens. Mali announced that, “with immediate effect,” American nationals would face the same entry conditions and requirements that the US imposes on Malian citizens. Mali also expressed regret that the US implemented the decision without prior consultation. Both countries are ruled by military juntas and belong to a regional confederation that includes Niger. While Niger has not formally announced countermeasures, its news agency reported that such actions had been decided. Trump’s December 17 announcement also included partial travel restrictions on other African countries such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, as well as Canada and Mexico. Some of these nations are set to participate in next year’s football World Cup in the US.

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Nigeria and Mali Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Security Collaboration

Wale busari03 mins

Nigeria and Mali have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges. This development followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, during his participation in the inaugural International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) held in Bamako, Mali. The visit marked a key diplomatic moment, with Badaru leading the Nigerian delegation at BAMEX 2025, a platform designed to foster security collaboration and highlight innovations in defence technology across Africa. In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister’s Media Aide, Comrade Mati Ali, Badaru described the reception in Mali as “warm and exemplary,” praised the country’s hospitality, and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation to tackle shared regional security threats. Badaru said, “I bring the goodwill and warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Government and people of Mali. Nigeria is committed to deepening our ties and working closely with Mali to tackle challenges that threaten peace in our region.” He further emphasized that Nigeria views Mali as a strategic partner, with shared security interests making defence collaboration a top priority. In response, Prime Minister Maiga expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s commitment and participation in BAMEX 2025, calling it “a testament to our enduring friendship and mutual respect.” He added, “The Government of Mali values Nigeria’s ongoing support and partnership, especially as we confront various security issues together. Such unity remains critical in safeguarding our nations against current and future threats.” The statement also noted that top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, signaling a shared determination to leverage their resources and experience to enhance security and stability across West Africa. As BAMEX 2025 concluded, both nations pledged renewed efforts to strengthen ties and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

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Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara Jailed Over Social Media Post Supporting Political Prisoners

Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara Jailed Over Social Media Post Supporting Political Prisoners

Wale busari02 mins

A court in Bamako has sentenced former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison over a social media post expressing support for political prisoners. The verdict, delivered on Monday by the National Cybercrime Centre court, also includes a one-year suspended sentence for “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.” Mara, who served as Mali’s prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was arrested on August 1 after sharing a post in July stating that he had met with detained political figures and promised to seek justice for them. Witnesses from AFP reported that Mara remained calm as the judgment was read. Prosecutors had pushed for a 24-month sentence. In addition to the jail term, the court ordered him to pay a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (about $887). “It’s not over,” Mara’s lawyer, Mountaga Tall, said after the verdict. “We will consult with our client and decide on the next steps.” A close friend of Mara, who spoke anonymously, said the outcome came as no surprise. “We expected it… Tell me, what crime did he commit?” the source asked. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta has been accused of silencing dissent, curbing press freedom, and dissolving political parties as it tightens its grip on power.

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Mali Arrests Dozens of Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot

Mali Arrests Dozens of Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot

Fola Badmus03 mins

Dozens of Malian soldiers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the country’s military leadership, multiple sources have confirmed, amid growing political and security tensions. The arrests, which began several days ago and reportedly continued overnight, have raised fears of deepening divisions within the ruling junta. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the development. Initial reports claimed that Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti region, and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women at the top ranks of Mali’s army, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC he had just visited the general at home and confirmed “he was doing well.” According to AFP, citing military and junta-aligned transitional council sources, the detained soldiers — all members of the armed forces — allegedly planned to “overthrow the junta.” The number of arrests reported ranges from about 20 to 50. The alleged coup plot comes as Mali’s military government faces mounting political strain. Former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga are under pressure — Mara has been in detention since 1 August, accused of tarnishing the state’s image, while Maiga is facing judicial action over alleged embezzlement. In May, the junta dissolved all political parties after rare anti-government protests, a move critics say undermines reconciliation efforts. The military, led by Gen Assimi Goïta, seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, promising elections that never materialised. Last month, the transition period was extended by five years, allowing Goïta to remain in power until at least 2030. Despite citing insecurity as a key reason for taking power, jihadist attacks — ongoing since 2012 — have persisted and in some areas intensified. Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, has turned to Russian military support after cutting ties with France, but significant security improvements remain elusive.

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Mali Army Kills 80 After al-Qaeda-Linked Attacks on Military Bases

Fola Badmus04 mins

An al-Qaeda affiliate earlier claimed responsibility for ‘coordinated and high-quality attacks’ in the country. Mali’s armed forces have killed 80 fighters in response to a series of simultaneous and coordinated attacks on military posts across the country, according to a video statement released by the military. “The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces,” Souleymane Dembele, the army’s spokesperson, said in a special bulletin broadcast on the armed forces’ television channel, as visuals of fallen rebels, their weapons, motorbikes, and vehicles were displayed. Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) earlier claimed responsibility for “coordinated and high-quality attacks”, saying it had taken control of three barracks and dozens of military positions. Mali’s armed forces said the attacks took place in seven towns in the central and western regions of the West African country. The incidents bore the hallmarks of other recent operations by the group, which has conducted similar assaults on military positions in Mali and Burkina Faso. Mali, governed by a military government since 2020, has for more than a decade fought violent groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, while contending with a longer history of Tuareg-led rebellions in the north. The attacks on Tuesday targeted Diboli in western Mali near the border with Senegal, and the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. There were also attacks in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of the capital Bamako near the border with Mauritania, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, “all struck by shellfire”, the army’s statement said. Residents and a local politician confirmed the attacks in at least four towns. “We woke up in shock this morning. There’s gunfire, and from my house I can see smoke billowing towards the governor’s residence,” one resident in the city of Kayes said. The person described the gunfire as “intense” while another reported sheltering at home while the assault raged on.Elsewhere, a local political official wrote on Facebook that “the region of Nioro woke up in shock” and that the towns of Nioro, Sandare and Gogui had been targeted.

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