Filling the void left by French troops who withdrew from Niger just a couple of weeks ago, the Sahel country and Russia have announced an agreement to develop military cooperation as part of the efforts to stabilize the situation in the region. Russian Deputy Defense Ministers Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Alexander Fomin met Niger’s junta-appointed Defense […]
Tag: United States
US plans to set up drone bases in coastal West Africa to stem Islamist advance and counter China
The United States is reportedly seeking to set up military drones bases along the West African coast in an urgent effort to stop the spread of Islamist militants, counter the Chinese influence in the region, and to support the development and democracy of its African allies. Washington is holding preliminary talks with Ghana, Ivory Coast […]
Somalia’s new law ‘nullifies’ ‘illegal’ Ethiopia-Somaliland port-access deal
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signed a law that “nullifies” the contentious memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and a breakaway Somaliland region in a largely symbolic move expressing his government’s displeasure over the deal to grant port access. As part of the deal that was announced on 1 January, the landlocked Ethiopia will gain […]
Africa fueled with optimism with prospect of US interest rate cut in 2024
Emerging and frontier markets in Africa now have a reason for cautious optimism in 2024 following a recent announcement by The Federal Reserve (Fed) signaling possible cuts of up to 75 basis points in the coming year. New forecasts from central bank officials showed a turn from the hawkish rate environment Fed Chairman Jerome Powell […]
U.S. Maintains Unchanged Stance on the Moroccan Sahara: Denial of Allegations and Highlighting Geopolitical Tensions with Iran
The U.S. State Department recently reiterated that the United States’ stance on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains “clear and consistent.” This confirmation follows former President Donald Trump’s declaration in December 2020, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The United States reaffirms unwavering support for the position on the Moroccan Sahara and warns against […]
Battle for influence: US private security firm in talks with CAR govt to counter Russia’s Wagner
The US private military company Bancroft Global Development is reportedly in talks with the government of Central African Republic (CAR) over “future activities,” as the Russian mercenary group Wagner is in the process of reorganization following the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The death of Wagner’s leader has created a window of opportunity in […]
US unveils new multinational naval protection force to stop Houthi attacks in Red Sea
The United States and a host of other nations are creating a new global security force ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ to help protect and defend ships transiting the Red Sea that have come under attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Tuesday (19 December) […]
Washington hails ‘record’ year for US-Africa ties post-2022 leaders summit
The United States had delivered more than 40% of commitments made at the United States-Africa Leaders Summit (USALS) one year ago, which hosted about 50 African heads of government in Washington DC, senior US government officers have said. Speaking during a digital press briefing on the one year anniversary (14 December), they pointed out that […]
South Korea makes successful Africa nuclear energy push amid worsening electricity crisis
South Africa’s government announced on Tuesday (12 December) plans to increase the country’s nuclear power production, with bids sought from the United States, Russia, France, China and South Korea, just as Korean nuclear energy companies are lining up to win business from different African countries in the face of stiff competition from its rivals. To […]
Will Washington succeed in engaging Algiers amid imminent listing of Polisario “Terror Organization” ?
The Biden administration has intensified lately political and military consultation with the Algerian regime in a bid to de-escalate tension with neighboring Morocco, Washington’s strategic ally and partner. However, several experts wonder whether the U.S. overture to Algeria will hold given the impulsive diplomacy of a country controlled by an oppressive and corrupt junta swaying […]









