First Independent Mena Newspaper
The recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has placed significant pressure on Nigeria’s military, especially its Air Force. Air marshal Hassan Abubakar, Nigeria’s chief of air staff, highlighted at a recent meeting in Abuja that the departure of these countries from the regional security […]
After nearly two months of intense combat, Puntland forces in Somalia claim to have successfully pushed back Islamic State (IS) militants, dealing significant blows to the terror group in the region. However, despite recent victories, experts warn that the IS may attempt to regroup and continue its operations across the Horn of Africa. The offensive, […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to launching the Eco currency by 2027, a key step in advancing regional economic integration and financial stability. The ambitious currency project, which aims to unify the economies of 15 West African countries, was discussed at the recent 11th ECOWAS Convergence Council meeting […]
In a move that intensifies Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied rebel groups Tuesday (4 February) signed a transitional constitution in Nairobi. The new constitution formalizes the RSF’s control over eight territories and outlines plans for a joint army with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). This action comes […]
Uganda’s High Court has ordered the renaming of streets, roads, and landmarks in the nation’s capital city Kampala that honor British colonial figures, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing decolonization efforts. Justice Musa Ssekaana ruled that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) must take measures to rename these public spaces, ensuring that the new […]
Three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, African economies continue to grapple with the long-term effects of the conflict, with many nations still feeling the sting of rising inflation, disrupted supply chains, and escalating debt risks. A new report from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) highlights that while some regions, such as East Africa, have […]
Arab leaders have firmly rejected US president Donald Trump’s controversial plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the region, endorsing an Egyptian-proposed reconstruction plan instead. The $53 billion plan, approved at an emergency summit in Cairo on Tuesday (4 February), aims to rebuild Gaza while keeping Palestinians in the enclave and excluding Hamas from […]
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a military coup in 2023 that ended over five decades of Bongo family rule, has announced he will run in Gabon’s presidential election due on 12 April. Despite initially promising to return power to civilians, Nguema stated that his decision was prompted by public demand for his leadership. In […]
Trials of Congolese soldiers accused of desertion, murder, and looting shed light on a military grappling with poor morale and dysfunction, amid ongoing rebel advances in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In recent court proceedings, over 300 soldiers have stood trial, with some facing death sentences for fleeing the frontlines as M23 rebels, […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is standing firm against mounting international pressure to hold direct talks with the M23 rebel group, despite the group’s significant territorial gains in the eastern part of the country. Since January, the M23, which is accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, has captured key cities like Goma and […]