Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was arrested at his home by the Brigade d'intervention judiciaire on March 25, 2024, due to a book he published criticizing the Malian transitional authorities' 'propaganda' and 'lies.' He had previously served six months in prison in 2022 for commenting on the impact of Cédéao's economic sanctions against Mali. The military junta has made opposition expressions difficult, with numerous repressive measures. A coalition of 30 opposition parties and groups, 'Synergie d'action pour le Mali,' was banned by authorities for allegedly posing public order threats.

Vladimir Putin's reelection with over 87% of the vote has been met with mixed reactions in Africa, where Russian influence is growing. While Western countries have denounced the election as a sham, African reactions have been muted. Chadian transitional president Mahamat Déby Itno praised Putin's electoral victory, which may signal a willingness to align with Russia amid Western pressure. Algeria, a strong Russian ally, congratulated Putin, while Niger's military regime leader also sent congratulations. No official reactions were reported from Mali or Burkina Faso, where Russian ties are strengthening, particularly with the presence of Wagner Group paramilitaries in Mali.

Vladimir Putin has been reelected as Russia's president with over 87% of the vote. His reelection was quickly praised by allies like China and Cuba, while Western countries criticized it as a sham. In Africa, where Russian influence is growing, reactions have been sparse. African leaders, who often manipulate democracy in their own countries, are watching the international community's response. Chad's transitional president Mahamat Déby Itno, whose country is a Western ally in the Sahel, suggested he might align with Russia if pressured by the West. Algeria, Niger, and Mali, where Russian cooperation is active and Russian paramilitaries are present, have also reacted to Putin's reelection. In Burkina Faso, there has been little interest in the Russian election among the public.

ECOWAS has announced a financial contribution of $1.9 million each to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger for the purchase of weapons to combat terrorism. Burkina Faso will also receive an additional $1 million in humanitarian aid due to its high number of internally displaced persons. Analyst Daouda Emile Ouédraogo commends the move, emphasizing the need for ECOWAS to support its people rather than reinstating deposed powers. Amidst a humanitarian crisis, NGOs including Oxfam have called for urgent humanitarian exemptions from ECOWAS, such as reopening the border with Benin. ECOWAS has provided access for medical and humanitarian goods, but the military authorities have refused to use it. The border remains closed from both sides. ECOWAS is also pushing for the Nigerien military junta to commit to returning power to civilians by organizing elections and has formed a committee with the presidents of Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone to negotiate with the Nigerien regime.

Germany is grappling with the challenge of funding refugee and migrant care, a topic central to a meeting in Berlin between the federal government and representatives from the 16 German states. Regions and municipalities are struggling with increased refugee numbers and insufficient funds. The FDP, a liberal party in the ruling coalition, has called for a drastic reduction in state support for asylum seekers, while SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is open to processing asylum applications outside Europe. On June 23, 2023, Germany's immigration policy shifted with new legislation aimed at attracting non-EU skilled labor to address a significant workforce deficit projected to reach over seven million by 2035.

The European Union is contemplating sanctions against Niger's military regime, supporting ECOWAS' efforts to restore constitutional order, while still providing humanitarian aid. The US, however, is opting for dialogue, maintaining military presence in Niger to counter Russian influence and support regional security. Iran aligns with US policy, seeking collaboration with Niger's military regime. The EU's regulatory framework for sanctions lacks specific targets, and experts express skepticism about their effectiveness, viewing them as pressure to hasten a return to constitutional order.

The European Union is considering sanctions against the military leaders in Niger following a coup, while the United States seeks to maintain contact with them. The EU has adopted a legal framework for sanctions, which includes asset freezes and travel bans, to support the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and a return to constitutional order. Analysts express skepticism about the effectiveness of sanctions and highlight the potential for the military junta to seek support from Russia if pressured. The US maintains a military presence in Niger for counterterrorism efforts and aims to prevent the junta from aligning with Russia.