AGP Executive Report

Power Sector Pressure: In the Philippines, rotating brownouts have triggered a House hearing, with APEC party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc pushing lawmakers to review DOE and ERC rules—arguing the problem is a mix of generation, transmission, and regulatory design, not just the grid operator. Mali Security Costs: Mali’s junta has reportedly paid nearly $1 billion to Russian mercenaries since 2021, but analysts say results are unclear as insurgents adapt and expand pressure, including around Kidal and the capital’s fuel blockade. Corporate Scrutiny in Mali: Adamus Resources and its executive Angela List are fighting back against media claims linking them to alleged Mali regulatory breaches tied to a different firm (MIKO-SA), calling it misrepresentation and a coordinated smear. Regional Integration Push: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding momentum to a wider trend across the continent.

Mali Security & Insurgency: JNIM and Tuareg separatists have kept pressure on the Malian state after the April 25 offensive, tightening the fuel blockade on Bamako and holding Kidal even as Malian forces and Russian-linked units hit back with airpower—raising fears of a wider Sahel spillover. Mining & Investor Confidence: Ghana’s government says it won’t pursue blanket nationalisation, but it has moved to take operational control of Damang and has also escalated scrutiny around Adamus Resources and alleged Mali-linked regulatory breaches—sparking a public legal fight over whether media outlets are wrongly linking separate companies. Project Pipeline: Cora Gold says its Sanankoro gold project is moving toward construction readiness, with FEED due to finish in H2 2026 and permitting still the key hurdle. Shipping & Sanctions Loopholes: A new report claims Russia is using “flag of convenience” registries in parts of Africa to sustain a shadow tanker network that generates hundreds of millions of euros daily. Regional Policy Signals: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from Jan 1, 2027, adding to a growing trend of easing travel rules across the continent.

Mining & Regulation: Mali has launched a crackdown on Adamus Resources’ West African network, launching investigations into Société des Mines de Kofi (MIKO-SA) and SEMICO-SA over alleged tax, duty and mining-regulation breaches, with officials warning the exploitation permit could be withdrawn if issues aren’t fixed within 90 days. Security & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador to Mali reiterated Beijing’s support after the April 25 attacks, saying Chinese nationals and firms stayed in-country and that “true friends are known in difficult times.” Regional Politics: Nigeria deployed troops to Benin for President Romuald Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration, framing it as a deterrent to threats and support for a peaceful transition. Cost of Living: In Nigeria, unrest and fuel-linked pressures are pushing up sheep prices ahead of Eid al-Adha, with traders reporting sluggish sales. Tech Adoption: Togo’s generative AI use rose to 10.1% in Q1 2026, placing it in Africa’s mid-tier alongside Mali, Nigeria and Ghana. Business & ESG: B2Gold published its 10th Responsible Mining Report and a new climate strategy report, underscoring ESG and climate-risk management.

Mali Mining Crackdown: Mali has launched a probe into Société des Mines de Kofi (MIKO-SA), a subsidiary tied to Ghana’s Adamus Resources, accusing it of tax and mining-regulation breaches, including an alleged two-year suspension of operations without approval, unpaid taxes/royalties, and alleged foreign-exchange violations; the ministry says the exploitation permit could be withdrawn if issues aren’t fixed within 90 days. Regional Security & Health: The week’s wider backdrop stays grim, with renewed focus on Sahel instability and a fresh Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda raising pressure on fragile health systems. Africa Day 2026: As Africa marks 63 years since the OAU’s founding, commentary across the coverage pushes a hard question: is independence translating into real liberation, or just new forms of dependency? Pan-African Politics: The Pan-African Parliament and broader debates on unity and power keep resurfacing, with critics arguing Africa’s institutions still lack the teeth to match the ambition. Business Tech Glimpse: Outside the policy grind, Oppo launched its Pad 6 in China with a Dimensity 9500s chip and a 10,420mAh battery—small signal of continued consumer tech momentum.

Mining Crackdown: Mali has moved to tighten the screws on Nguvu Mining Group’s network, warning its subsidiary Société des Mines de Kofi (MIKO-SA) that its exploitation permit could be withdrawn within 90 days over alleged tax evasion, unauthorised offshore accounts, and failure to repatriate foreign-exchange earnings—charges that mirror Ghana’s recent licence revocation of Adamus Mines, another Nguvu-linked firm. Sahel Security Pressure: The wider backdrop remains grim, with Mali still facing jihadist pressure and even new reports of Russian-made Shahed drones being shot down in the north, underscoring how external military supply chains keep feeding the conflict. Humanitarian Alarm: A new study says hunger is increasingly used as a weapon of war, documenting more than 20,000 food-related violence incidents since 2018—an issue that resonates directly with Sahel instability. Tech & Trade Noise: Outside Mali, the week also brought a modular Linux “cyberdeck” launch and fresh AfCFTA one-stop border-post momentum, but Mali’s mining and security stories dominate the headlines.

Mali Mining Watch: Mali has moved to tighten the screws on Nguvu Mining Group, issuing a 90-day ultimatum after alleged breaches tied to its Segala and Kofi concessions—ranging from long shutdowns without approval to unpaid taxes and foreign-currency repatriation issues, raising the risk of license withdrawal. Sahel Security Signals: In northern Mali, rebels reportedly shot down a Russian Shahed-136 drone for the first time in the Sahel, with the wreckage linked to Chinese-made components—another reminder of how outside tech keeps feeding local conflicts. Regional Context: The week also kept spotlight on Sahel instability’s spillovers, from jihadist pressure disrupting cross-border movement to hunger being used as a weapon of war. Business & Markets: Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex hit a key 2026 production milestone, signaling recovery after last year’s regulatory turbulence. Energy & Trade Angle: Ethiopia renewed its push for Red Sea access as a sovereignty issue—while pipeline and port stories across the region underline how logistics can make or break growth.

Sahel Security Shock: Rebels in northern Mali shot down a Russian Shahed-136 (“Harpy-A1”) drone on May 18—the first confirmed Sahel use—after it was reportedly used by Russia-linked mercenaries; the drone reportedly carried Chinese-made electronics, underscoring how dual-use parts keep fueling the conflict. Mali–Nigeria Security Link: A new report ties Mali’s escalating security crisis to warnings for Nigeria, where jihadist groups and banditry keep pressure on the state. Human Cost & Trade Disruption: Separately, Nigerian women rescued from Mali trafficking abuse highlight how instability fuels cross-border exploitation, while reports say jihadists have burned trucks and stranded dozens along the Dakar–Bamako corridor, tightening regional commerce. Eid Pressure in West Africa: In the wider Sahel economy, insecurity in Mali is already feeding into sheep-price spikes ahead of Tabaski, with Senegal and Ivory Coast feeling the squeeze.

Sahel Security Shock: Rebels in northern Mali say they shot down a Russian-made Shahed-136 drone on May 18—the first confirmed use of that model in the Sahel—after it was reportedly used by Russia-linked mercenaries; the drone’s electronics reportedly included Chinese-made components, raising fresh questions about how foreign parts keep feeding the battlefield. Cross-Border Trade Pressure: With jihadist blockades disrupting the Dakar–Bamako corridor, Senegalese truckers report vehicles burned and dozens stranded, while traders warn the wider knock-on effects are hitting regional supply chains. Regional Tech & Business Signals: AfCFTA partners are pushing one-stop border posts, spotlighting Togo’s Cinkassé model as a template for faster customs and smoother trade flows. Human Stories, Hard Costs: Nigerian women rescued from trafficking abuses describe being lured with job offers and forced into prostitution in Mali—another reminder that instability is also a business model for criminals.

Sahel Security Shock: Northern Mali rebels say they shot down a Russian Shahed-136 “Harpy-A1” drone on May 18—the first confirmed use of the type in the Sahel—after it was found to carry Chinese-made civilian electronics, raising fresh questions about how dual-use parts keep feeding foreign drone programs. Bamako Under Pressure: JNIM’s fuel blockade and stepped-up city siege tactics are now burning vehicles and disrupting transport into Mali’s capital, with fuel shortages and economic damage spreading beyond the highways. Trade & Borders: While Mali faces disruption, regional trade facilitation moves ahead elsewhere: Togo’s Cinkassé one-stop border post is being showcased as an AfCFTA model for faster customs, health and transport clearance. Business Context: The week also highlights how insecurity and logistics bottlenecks ripple into markets—like Senegal’s Tabaski sheep prices jumping as Mali routes tighten. Diplomacy & Influence: Across the region, debates over foreign partnerships and security roles keep intensifying, with Mali’s ties to Russia remaining a key storyline.

Mali Security & Trade Shock: JNIM jihadists have tightened a fuel blockade around Bamako, with BBC-confirmed videos showing dozens of vehicles—including fuel tankers—burned about 45km west of the capital, raising fears of shortages and price spikes ahead of Eid as Mali relies on fuel imports from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Human Impact: AFP reports families in Bamako are forced to spend Eid away from relatives after transport routes were disrupted and buses and trucks were torched, turning a major social ritual into an economic and logistical ordeal. Diplomatic Echo: U.S. Catholic bishops sent solidarity messages to Mali after the April attacks that killed Mali’s defense minister, urging peace and interreligious dialogue across the Sahel. Regional Security Forum: In Niamey, AES states and partners are pushing surrender, demobilisation and reintegration plans for ex-combatants—an attempt to tackle violent extremism beyond battlefield tactics. Tech for Access: Mozambique’s Muzi AI platform is expanding pharmacy price and availability matching, with 200+ pharmacies registered—an example of how digital tools can reduce everyday hardship.

Sahel Security: Mali’s junta is hitting back as jihadist pressure tightens—drone strikes and air operations in places like Kidal and around Bamako follow rebel offensives that killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara and disrupted prison security, while analysts warn the Sahel is becoming the gateway for jihadist terrorism across Africa. Maritime Push: West Africa’s leaders are doubling down on ports—Nigeria’s ports chief Abubakar Dantsoho says outdated infrastructure blocks growth and calls for deep-sea capacity and technology, while Ghana’s transport ministry backs 24-hour port operations and major expansion plans to position the country as a regional hub. Regional Politics: ECOWAS officials argue coups can’t be stopped under today’s multipolar reality, even as lawmakers press for stronger deterrence. Trade & Health: Malaysia’s MIHAS 2026 is ramping up halal trade links with Nigeria, and the WHO flags an Ebola outbreak in Congo with cases rising fast.

Mali Security Shock: Mali’s junta escalated its fight after the assassination of Defence Minister Sadio Camara, with reports of strikes in rebel-held Kidal and civilian deaths, as insurgents tighten pressure around Bamako and the state’s “inner core” shows signs of strain. US–Nigeria Counterterror Push: A joint US-Nigeria operation killed 175 Islamic State fighters, following the earlier killing of ISWAP-linked Abu Bakr al-Mainuki—raising questions about whether intelligence cooperation is finally shifting from reactive raids to deeper disruption. Trade & Ports: Nigeria says it handles 70% of West and Central Africa’s cargo, while the NPA pushes port modernization and has cleared five deep-sea projects for investment to reclaim that traffic. Halal Business Momentum: Malaysia’s MIHAS 2026 is set for Sept 23–26 in Kuala Lumpur, targeting Nigeria and West Africa as halal trade growth accelerates. Tech & Energy Curiosity: Flipper unveiled a Linux-powered Flipper One networking device, while a Canadian mine study points to natural hydrogen that could power hundreds of homes—an “untapped” clean-energy angle.

Mali Security Shock: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a solidarity letter to Mali’s Church after coordinated attacks on April 25–26, including strikes near Bamako’s Kati base that killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara—an escalation that underscores how fragile state control has become. Insurgency Escalation: Mali’s junta retaliated with air and drone strikes against rebel-held Kidal and other targets, while analysts warn the conflict is tightening around the political centre. Regional Border Talks: Ghana convened a two-day consultation with Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso to align cross-border governance on security threats, smuggling and irregular migration. Counterterror Cooperation: In parallel, U.S.-Nigeria joint operations reported 175 Islamic State fighters killed, with U.S. commanders telling lawmakers Africa is now the “epicenter” of global terrorism. Health Watch: The WHO flagged a fast-rising Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda, raising urgency for containment.

Sahel Security Shock: Nigeria says U.S.-backed strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters, after earlier reports of the killing of ISWAP’s deputy Abu Bakr al-Manuki—raising questions about whether Nigeria’s intelligence and targeting are finally getting sharper. Mali Crossroads: Analysts warn Mali’s crisis is worsening beyond battlefield losses, pointing to the assassination of Defence Minister Sadio Camara as a sign the state’s inner core is cracking. Terror Alarm for Washington: U.S. commanders told Congress Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” flagging Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso alongside growing Chinese and Russian influence. Trade & Influence: China’s zero-tariff push is starting to show results, with Kenya’s avocados reaching China tariff-free—while broader coverage keeps spotlighting who benefits from Africa’s new trade deals. Human Security: Nigeria’s police also rescued 30 Malian nationals from a trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa, arresting 13 suspects.

Counterterrorism Shock: Nigeria says a US-Nigeria joint operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, after the earlier killing of ISWAP’s senior leader Abu Bakr al-Mainuki—raising questions about whether Nigeria’s intelligence reach is finally improving beyond raids. Mali Security Pressure: Fighting in Mali continues as Tuareg separatists and JNIM-linked forces press attacks, blockades and sieges, with the junta still struggling to regain control. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria Police rescued 30 foreign nationals, including Malians, and arrested 13 suspects tied to a trafficking syndicate that allegedly lured victims with promises of Europe-bound migration and jobs. Wildlife Trade Warning: A new analysis says over a million live birds—nearly two-thirds from Africa—were shipped to Asia from 2006-2020, with weak export controls flagged in countries including Mali. Business Watch: B2Gold reported stronger-than-expected Q1 earnings, supported by better-than-expected ore grades at its Otjikoto mine.

Mali Security: Fighting continues to test the junta as Tuareg separatists and an al-Qaeda-linked coalition press attacks, blockades and raids across the north, with Russian mercenaries also entangled—raising the stakes for Bamako’s control. Human Trafficking Crackdown (region): Nigeria’s police say they rescued 30 foreign nationals, including Malians, and arrested 13 suspects in a transnational syndicate that allegedly lured victims with promises of Europe-bound migration and jobs, then held them in Nasarawa State. Fuel Logistics (Mali): Despite the security pressure, Mali reports a fresh arrival of 700+ fuel tankers into Bamako under escort, aiming to keep supplies moving after earlier “blockade” claims were linked to intimidation on key routes. France–Africa Pivot: Macron’s “Pan-Africanist” message is met with sharp backlash as France’s Africa Forward summit in Nairobi signals a shift toward anglophone partners after setbacks in the Sahel. Trade & Tech: China’s zero-tariff push for Africa is already showing up in early shipments, while a new map highlights uneven AI adoption across countries in 2026.