Mali
Mali’s army has launched an operation to protect trade routes linking the capital, Bamako, with Senegal after an al-Qaeda-linked armed group declared a blockade. Fuel trucks and other vehicles are now being escorted by the military, which says it has broken the siege with air raids. The militia behind the blockade, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, is among the strongest rebel groups in the Sahel region and in recent months has targeted factories and mines in the Kayes region, where international firms operate. Mali’s military rulers now rely on Russia for military support, but attacks across the region continue to increase.
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Brazil
Brazil’s Supreme Court is split on whether to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election defeat. Justice Luiz Fux broke ranks with colleagues by voting to acquit the former president and annul the trial, arguing the case should be heard by lower courts. Two of the five judges have already voted to convict, and the remaining two were appointed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro’s rival. A guilty verdict is likely, but Fux’s dissent could strengthen Bolsonaro’s chances of appeal. The case has polarized Brazil, with thousands of Bolsonaro supporters rallying in protest.
More from Reuters here.
Qatar
The United Arab Emirates president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, is touring Gulf countries after Israel’s attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha. His adviser said the visits, which have so far included Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, are aimed at coordinating Gulf policy after the attack. The UAE, which normalized ties with Israel in 2020, said any aggression against a Gulf state would be seen as an attack on collective Gulf security.
More from AP here.