Mali's President appoints former foreign minister to lead transitional Cabinet

Oman Air confirmed that flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen (CPH), Baghdad (BGW), and Khasab (KHS) are cancelled until March 22.

In an X post, the embassy wrote, "The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals in Mali on 6 Nov 2025. The Embassy has been working closely with the Malian authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible. "

In an X post, he wrote, "Delighted to meet the HE Mr Abdoulaye Diop, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Mali, on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Midterm Ministerial meeting. Discussed our multifaceted bilateral relations. #NAM2025"

France has suspended counterterrorism cooperation with Mali and expelled two Malian diplomats after Bamako arrested French envoy Yann Vezilier on coup-plotting charges. Mali accused him of working for French intelligence, which Paris called "unfounded." Ties have soured since Mali's military government expelled French forces and leaned on Russia.

Former Mali PM Moussa Mara has been jailed for a social media post supporting political prisoners. He faces charges of undermining state authority and spreading false information. His trial is set for September 29, amid growing repression under Mali's military rulers following recent pro-democracy protests.

Condemning the incident, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers.

47 participants from the NHRIs of 14 countries of Global South are likely to attend it. These are Madagascar, Uganda, Samoa, Timor Leste, DR Congo, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Burundi, Turkmenistan and Qatar, the statement said.

N Nandakumar, presently serving as Consul General, Consulate General of India has been appointed as India's next ambassador to Mali, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

New Delhi offered condolences to the families of victims and expressed hope for swift recovery of those injured in the stampede.

At least seven mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group were killed in an attack in central Mali, reportedly carried out by an al Qaeda affiliate in North Africa. The incident highlights the persistent dangers Wagner forces face in the region, following significant losses in a July battle with Tuareg rebels and Islamist groups near the Algerian border.