While Western media continues to describe hit-and-run attacks on civilian fuel tankers by Al-Qaeda fighters who cannot hold positions as a “blockade”, a much more complex struggle for and against Mali’s sovereignty unfolds on the ground.

With French influence being expelled from countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Paris is desperately searching for a new strategic foothold in Africa.

Kenya will host the 2026 France–Africa Summit, the first to be held in an English-speaking African country. Activists, political observers, and analysts view the summit as part of France’s broader attempt to reconfigure its influence and strategic interests in Africa at a time when the Sahel is increasingly slipping from its traditional sphere of control.

While Western media continued prophesying the fall of the popular, sovereignist government that expelled French troops, the cabinet met on April 29 to push forward with developmental projects.

Combining limited nationalization with conditional foreign ownership amid the rally in gold prices, Mali has generated substantial mining revenue – channeled back to communities through the Local Mining Development Fund.

Within hours after the European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of Niger’s ousted, France-backed former president Mohamed Bazoum, the Nigerien government reiterated that it “will not accept any directive” from Europe.

A plot to kill Burkina Faso’s president, Ibrahim Traoré, and disable a drone base, ahead of a planned foreign military intervention, was thwarted by security forces, while Burkinabes took to the streets sloganeering in support of Traoré.

A historic turning point in Sahelian sovereignty, as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger bolstered their regional security through a unified military force and in the same week held its second AES summit.

The severing of ties to the France-led judicial council, announced on December 15 as part of Burkina Faso’s broader break from Françafrique.

Niger’s Prime Minister Lamine Zeine used the UNGA stage to deliver a fiery defense of Sahel sovereignty, calling out France for backing terrorist activities and waging economic war against his country.

Advisor to the Burkinabé Prime Minister refutes the idea that Sahel countries are exchanging French imperialism for another.

The film highlights popular resistance and new development paths in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.