Cobalt

China eyes new arms markets, allies in West Africa amid waning French influence

China is making inroads into the West African arms market and is also looking to make new allies and build influence in the region amid waning French influence there. Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali are all French-speaking and, as former colonies, historically fell under France’s sphere of influence. And although France is still the largest […]

Côte d’Ivoire takes control of last French military base amid shifting ties

Côte d’Ivoire has officially taken control of its last remaining French-controlled Port-Bouët military base, marking the end of France’s military presence in the country. The handover ceremony, held on 20 February, which included a symbolic changing of the guard, reflects broader changes in the region’s relationship with Paris. For decades, France maintained a significant military […]

Morocco to acquire US military vehicles worth $240 mln

The US State Department cleared the sale to Morocco of 25 of BAE Systems’ M88 recovery vehicles for a total cost of $239.4 million. Under the same deal, Morocco will receive 50 caliber machine guns, M239 or M250 smoke grenade launchers, 1,800 M76 or L8A1/A3 smoke grenade rounds, 25 SINCGARS radios, AN/PSN-13A GPS receivers (DAGR), […]