News from Sahel

Landmines in Mali

"In a spate of attacks by armed militias in north-eastern Mali over the
last week at least 35 soldiers have been kidnapped and 11 people killed
by newly laid landmines, raising fears that escalating violence in
neighbouring Niger is spreading to Mali."

Mali: Indignation dominates reaction as attacks in north escalate

Landmines kill 11 in Mali desert conflict

Child dying after forced marriage

"Two years ago, in the western Malian village of Korera-Kore, a
13-year-old girl was forced into marriage during her school summer holiday. She
died after complications during sex on her wedding night."

"Enforcing the law is an 'arduous task'
because family members are often accomplices in the forced marriage."

Mali: Child marriage a neglected problem

Niger: NGOs in north calling for peace

"A mayor in northern Niger has warned that civilians are increasingly
being caught up in insecurity caused by fighting between the Nigerien
army and armed militias, and has called for an end to hostilities."

"Nigerien President Mamadou Tanja has imposed a three-month state of emergency on the Agadez region of northern Niger."