Senegal Seizes Large Explosives Shipment Near Mali Border

Published by: The Fatu Network

Senegalese police have seized 660 explosive devices and 1,000 metres of detonating cord near the country’s border with Mali after intercepting a suspected smuggling operation linked to illegal gold mining activities.

The seizure happened at a border crossing in eastern Senegal near the Malian frontier town of Kidira during a night-time operation, with authorities saying the suspect fled into Mali after abandoning the explosives and a motorcycle at the scene.

The incident is likely to raise fresh security concerns in the region, where trafficking networks, illegal mining activity, and instability spilling from Mali continue to place pressure on border areas.