THE RESEARCH DESK
Research and method notes on power, movement and resources across the Sahel. Each publication states its evidence limits and research cut-off.
The disaster at Dioura and shelling at Sévaré expose a harder test for Mali’s Russian partnership: keeping isolated troops within reach of help.
Mali · Armed conflict · JNIM · Russia · SecuritySchool closures and electricity dependence show how attacks on fuel deliveries disrupt public services.
Mali · Armed conflict · Governance · JNIM · OilAn illustrative calculation shows why a rise in seizures cannot, by itself, measure growth in trafficking.
Cocaine · Open sources · Research methodsA quarterly operating margin and a long-term valuation rate answer different questions about Loulo-Gounkoto.
Mali · Barrick · Gold · Mining riskA permit, a minority investment and a delayed uranium timetable replace parts of the July picture.
Mali · Niger · Filings · Gold · UraniumACLED’s 2025 figures and survivor reporting put Malian forces and their Russian partners under scrutiny alongside jihadist groups.
Mali · Armed conflict · JNIM · RussiaDated population records and a health-service account show why the response must include the communities where refugees live.
Mali · Mauritania · Border policy · RefugeesRecorded seizures establish interceptions. Claims about ownership and protection need evidence that connects people to a shipment or payment.
Wider Sahel · Cocaine · Organised crimeRefinery construction, a nationalisation announcement and an oil agreement each leave a different question about public value.
Mali · Niger · Gold · Oil · UraniumWithdrawal from ECOWAS, passport plans and a proposed joint force require different evidence of implementation.
Wider Sahel · AES · ECOWAS · GovernanceResearch register · updated 23 September 2026
10 publications contain 39 linked source references. The register records each conclusion, evidence limit and reason for review.
Open the research registerReading the work
Facts, attributed claims and analysis have different limits. Read the method note beside the conclusion.
Each article describes its AI assistance and the scope of its source checks.
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