What's happened
Armed groups linked to Islamic State have besieged major towns in northeastern Mali, leaving 80,000 children vulnerable to malnutrition. In a separate incident, a senior Islamic State commander was killed by Mali's security forces. Meanwhile, military forces in Burkina Faso massacred 223 civilians in attacks on villages accused of collaborating with militants.
Why it matters
The worsening humanitarian crisis in northeastern Mali and the mass killings in Burkina Faso highlight the ongoing violence and instability in the region. The siege by armed groups threatens the lives of thousands, while the death of the Islamic State commander and the massacre in Burkina Faso underscore the challenges faced by security forces in combating extremism and protecting civilians.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the dire humanitarian situation in northeastern Mali, with residents facing starvation amidst the siege by armed groups. The New York Times and The Guardian cover the killing of Abu Huzeifa, an Islamic State commander, by Mali's security forces. The Guardian and Sky News provide details on the massacre of 223 civilians in Burkina Faso, with Human Rights Watch condemning the killings.
How we got here
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been battling insurgencies by armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State, for over a decade. The region has seen political instability, military coups, and violence, leading to a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced. The involvement of foreign forces, such as French and Russian troops, has not brought an end to the conflict.
Common question
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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo to the southeast; Ghana to the south
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Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres.
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Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.