The Latest Breaking News from Mali

Attacks by jihadists are on the rise in both Niger and Mali, where juntas are keen to hold on to power. The volatile situation in the Sahel region is casting a long shadow over future elections and the return to civilian rule, which now look increasingly distant.

In tonight's edition: Dozens of political, civilian and human rights groups call on Mali's ruling military junta to arrange democratic elections as soon as possible. Also, Tunisians are one of the biggest groups of migrants risking the dangerous sea journey to Italy to try to escape the country's economic troubles.…

Turkey, Iran and Morocco are vying for a greater economic and military role in Africa's Sahel after former colonial ruler France's forced withdrawal from the volatile region.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have agreed to set up a joint force to tackle security threats across their territories.

Learn about the challenges faced by a joint security force formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to combat extremist violence in the Sahel region.

An elite EU-trained Senegalese police unit was meant to tackle cross-border crime. Instead it was used to quash protests

Italian family released from Mali captivity welcomed in Rome after two years. Grateful for safe return.

According to political analyst Michael Shurkin, a business-as-usual approach has proven ineffective, with Russia filling the vacuum left by diminishing French influence.

The West African alliance holds Abuja summit amid political crises that have rocked the region.