Editor

AES integration is moving beyond military cooperation as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger align telecommunications regulation, media governance and economic policies. New agreements suggest the Alliance of Sahel States is steadily building common institutions across the confederation.

Mali's military says an Abeïbara strike killed at least 50 fighters in Kidal. Independent confirmation remains absent as analysts question casualty claims and the wider security situation.

The Central Bank of Nigeria is preparing measures to compel banks to honour domiciliary account withdrawals after complaints from customers who say they are being denied access to their foreign currency funds despite meeting account requirements.

A three-day Senegal doctors strike has begun nationwide, restricting public hospitals to emergency services only. The walkout comes as a diphtheria outbreak spreads across Senegal, with more than 100 confirmed cases and 11 deaths reported across 12 regions.