First Independent Mena Newspaper
Russia significantly boosted its agricultural exports to Africa in 2024 by 19%, reflecting the country’s growing economic influence across the continent amid the continuing war in Ukraine. During the previous fiscal year, Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa surpassed $7 billion, according to a statement released by the Agricultural Export Center (Agroexport), with Egypt, Algeria, and […]
Africa’s Sahel region has become the global epicenter of terrorism, with extremist groups now responsible for over half of all terror-related deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI). This marks a significant shift from previous years, as the region’s death toll rose to 3,885, accounting for 51% of the global […]
After failing to join the BRICS and after its president described Putin as “friend of humanity” and after vowing to replace the dollar, Algeria is now making an act of repentance, offering to help the US counter Russian and Chinese influence in Africa. This came in an interview on Defense Scoop with Algeria’s ambassador to […]
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 […]
Following the conclusion of the Syrian civil war, Russia has begun repositioning its military assets, with Libya emerging as a key focus. After withdrawing forces from Syria, Moscow is now bolstering its military presence in Libya, particularly at the Maaten Al Sarra airbase, which it is modernizing to support operations across North Africa. Russia’s military […]
Following the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and the collapse of the Wagner Group, Russia has recalibrated its strategy in Africa, maintaining influence through a mix of rebranding, expansion, and diversification, according to a new study by The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. The study by the Geneva-based organization notes that Moscow has quickly reassured […]
Botswana and South African mining giant De Beers have finalized a landmark 10-year agreement, enhancing the country’s stake in diamond sales and providing a boost to its critical diamond sector. After six years of negotiations, the deal will see Botswana’s share of rough diamond sales rise from 25% to 30% in the first five years, […]
Russian president Vladimir Putin has hosted his Guinea-Bissau counterpart, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in a pivotal meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, focusing particularly on military cooperation, as well as trade, energy, and diplomatic ties. The discussions, held on 26 February 2025, centered on military education, rare earth minerals, and infrastructure development in Guinea-Bissau. This partnership […]
Recent expulsions of French military forces from several African nations, including Ivory Coast, Chad, and Niger, underscore a growing shift in the region’s geopolitical dynamics, fueled by Russian disinformation campaigns, according to analysts. Analysts believe that the Kremlin has been a key driver of the anti-French sentiment, using digital platforms to manipulate public opinion across […]
Mali’s military government has initiated an investigation into the alleged ‘cold execution’ of at least 24 civilians, including women and children, in the volatile northern part of the Sahel country. The accusations were made by the Tuareg separatist group, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which is battling the Malian government in the same region. According […]