Pope condemns fresh violence in Sahel after dozens killed

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday condemned a new wave of attacks in Africa's Sahel region, particularly in Mali and Chad. The Sahel region which is transition zone in Africa separating the Sahara Desert and the Sudanian savanna, is experiencing an intense surge in attacks by Islamist militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Meanwhile, regional troops and local forces are struggling to contain the violence, leading to a humanitarian crisis as militant groups consolidate control over rural areas.