This edition of Weekly Top News starts in Mali where the military seized control of the northern town of Kidal, marking the first time the army has held the Tuareg rebel stronghold in nearly a decade

Mohamed Maouloud Ramadan, a rebel spokesman based in neighbouring Mauritania, confirmed the presence of the Malian military in Kidal.

Soldiers from Mali’s army, accompanied by partners from Russian military contractor Wagner, have been battling Tuareg fighters for several days in an effort to take control of the town following the departure of United Nations peacekeepers two weeks ago.

Joining us in this edition are Ibrahima Kane, governance expert and Dr Oluwole Ojewale, ENACT Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator for Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar.
Gentlemen, welcome to the program.

Our guests have been Ibrahima Kane, governance expert and Dr Oluwole Ojewale, ENACT Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator for Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar.

Let’s now look at the Senegalese political scene where things are unfolding as the February 25 election draws near, with speculations of a shift in the date. We have also seen a new coalition FITE coming on board as well as the dismissal of Sonko’s appeal by the ECOWAS court. Let’s take a closer look at these issues and how they will shape the forthcoming general elections.

Our guests are Amadou Camara Gueye, Dakar-based political analyst and Pape Bassene lecturer at Cheikh Anta Diop University.

Regards,