Focus on Africa, Mali's security playbook as jihadist attacks increase

Focus on Africa

Mali's security playbook as jihadist attacks increase

23 July 2026

Available for over a year

At least 50 soldiers have been killed in the latest attack in Mali as insecurity mounts in the country. The ambush took place near the northern town of Anefis and is one of the deadliest to occur in years. The attack has been claimed by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda linked jihadists. The ambush has raised several questions about Mali's military strategy and playbook after the country ended cooperation with western allies and deepened ties with Russia.

And do you know about the historic Gnaoua genre of music from Morocco? This music is one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions. It developed in Morocco from the 16th and 17th centuries and is rooted in the history and spiritual practices of sub-Saharan African populations brought to the region via the trans-Saharan slave trade.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba

Senior Producers: Caroline Mwangi and Charles Gitonga

Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla