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Since 2019, when two French citizens were kidnapped from Benin's Pendjari National Park and their local guide murdered, the West African country has been dealing with regular incursions by armed groups, including terrorists. According to official figures, 40 civilians and 20 soldiers have been killed over the past three years. Our regional correspondents followed the Beninese army in the northern border areas, where it has beefed up its presence.

The president has ordered officials to "take a firm stance." Germany's human rights commissioner has raised concern over the rights situation in the region that forces many to flee.

In 2021, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko began letting migrants cross his country's border into Poland to retaliate against EU sanctions. Poland strengthened its border controls, but the number of illegal migrant crossings into Germany has been surging in recent months. The Brandenburg region in eastern Germany now finds itself at the crossroads between the Belarus and Balkans migrant routes.

The Cook Islands and Niue have been recognized by the United States as "sovereign and independent states." The move appeared to be aimed at curbing further Chinese inroads into the Pacific region.

Mali's military leadership has said presidential elections could not be held on schedule due to "technical" reasons. Since taking power in 2020, the junta has promised to hold elections, but has repeatedly issued delays.

Niger has hailed France's withdrawal as a "step towards sovereignty." But experts argue that the move has broad implications for the country, the Sahel region and beyond.