Algerian troops have reached Arlit in northern Niger, putting a major expansion of the countries’ security partnership into effect. Algeria says the deployment will protect shared energy and economic interests; its size and operational limits remain undisclosed.
The UN mission in Western Sahara faces the expiry of its mandate on 31 October after competing Security Council proposals failed. The impasse threatens an international monitoring presence in the conflict bordering Mauritania and has prompted sharply different responses from Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Chad’s latest dengue update lists 14 deaths and 4,600 suspected cases across six provinces, while health officials are investigating 34 newly reported suspected cholera cases in the Lac province. Both outbreaks are increasing demands on diagnosis, surveillance and treatment services.
At least seven people were killed and 22 injured in violence around Isné on 30 October, with wounded residents taken to Ngoura hospital. Security forces intervened after a dispute over access to water escalated into armed confrontation.
Two men have received one-year prison sentences, including six months to serve, for same-sex acts in a newly disclosed case. The conviction is the first publicly known application of Mali’s new criminal prohibition, according to coverage of the judgment.
Chad has prohibited the National Movement for Justice’s planned 31 October march, whose organisers wanted greater transparency over agreements with foreign partners. Police and other security services have been instructed to enforce the nationwide ban.
Niger’s and Chad’s foreign ministers have discussed easing their bilateral confrontation, opening direct diplomatic contact after Niamey accused its neighbour of facilitating a deadly drone strike. Responsibility for the attack remains disputed.
Niger's Mines Minister met Uranium One and TENEX officials to review an existing memorandum, days after accusing France of sabotage at the UN, with roughly 1,000 tonnes of disputed uranium still offered for sale.
France 24, La Croix and Benin Web TV retrospectives mark Ibrahim Traoré's fourth anniversary in power, days after he told reporters the state could take over importing certain goods via the agency FasoYaar.
