The Latest Breaking News from Mali

In tonight's edition: Senegal announces a record seizure of cocaine; the most ever intercepted on land by authorities. Over a ton of the illicit drug was confiscated from a truck near the border with Mali.

Political parties and civil society groups in Mali have rejected the suspension of political activities by the country's military rulers and plan to mount a legal challenge to the order from the junta which also banned media coverage of political parties.

Violence in the region has worsened since coups in Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.

Mali's junta suspends political activities, postpones elections, and shifts security strategy from French to Russian assistance amidst ongoing turmoil.

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.…

Super Eagles beat rivals Ghana last week

Super Eagles look to build on win over Ghana

Niger’s ruling military angered by US accusations of ‘secret deals’ with Iran and partnering with Russia.

Russia is increasing its influence in Burkina Faso, where disillusionment with French politics has left a void.

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.