Arms and Military Affairs

Navigating the Complexities of Combat: The Nigerian Army's Recent Airstrike in Zamfara The rolling hills of Zamfara State, known for its rich cultural tapestry, have recently become a focal point in a wider narrative of conflict and resolution in Nigeria. On Monday, the Nigerian army announced a significant operation that resulted in the deaths of 30 militants during a targeted airstrike. This operation, based on what authorities describe as “credible intelligence,” took place amid a troubling landscape where communities…

In a grim reminder of the persistent violence afflicting Nigeria, recent reports indicate that at least 35 individuals have lost their lives at the hands of kidnappers, even after ransoms were paid for their release. This tragic incident unfolded in a village situated in the northern region of Zamfara state. Back in March 2025, the serenity of Banga village was shattered when armed assailants abducted at least 56 villagers, targeting the vulnerable and instilling fear in the community. The gunmen initially demanded a…

The tragic toll of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a devastating new high, as a recent attack on a Catholic church has claimed the lives of at least 43 individuals. This bloody incident, attributed to the notorious Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, illustrates the persistent turmoil plaguing the region. Alongside the tragic loss of life, numerous homes and businesses in the vicinity of the church were set ablaze, leaving families reeling from destruction that extends beyond the physical…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a poignant plea to the military junta and its allies, notably the Russia-supported Wagner Group, urging an immediate cessation of the executions targeting ethnic Fulani men in Mali. Furthermore, they demand transparency regarding the fate of those detained since the year's outset. In a region fraught with violence, HRW's call echoes the urgent need for accountability and justice. Since January, a grim tally has emerged: at least a dozen Fulani men have been executed while approximately 81…

In a surprising move, Burkina Faso's military leadership has decided to dissolve its electoral commission, branding it as an unnecessary financial burden. This brave step raises numerous questions about the future of electoral integrity in the country. Emile Zerbo, the Minister of Territorial Administration, stood before the press to announce this monumental decision. He stated, "We could no longer justify the annual expenditure of around $870,000 on an institution that didn't align with our current objectives." A bold…

France has officially returned its last military base in Senegal, signaling the conclusion of a 65-year military presence. This significant withdrawal leaves the French armed forces without any permanent installations in West and Central Africa. It is a poignant moment, considering the broader trend of former colonies increasingly distancing themselves from their historical colonizers. At the heart of this transition is President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in 2024 with a resolute promise: to ensure that all…

In a significant turn of events, Uganda has officially reopened its border points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically at Bunagana and Mupaka. This development comes after a troubling four-year hiatus imposed by geopolitical tensions. The closing of these vital passageways in late January followed the M23 rebel group’s takeover of Goma, the heart of North Kivu Province. Such a disruption cast a long shadow over the region. Bunagana stands at the frontline of economic interaction, resting cheek-by-jowl…

In a surprising turn of events, the Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization known for its ties to the Kremlin, has announced its withdrawal from Mali. After more than three years of operations in the West African nation, the paramilitary firm claims to have fulfilled its mission. However, this departure raises a myriad of questions regarding the future of Russian military influence in the region. In a statement, Wagner declared its objectives “accomplished,” emphasizing its role in assisting the Malian military junta in…

The recent visit of former President Joseph Kabila to the rebel-occupied eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ignited a firestorm of debate. Officials in Kinshasa have leveled serious accusations, suggesting that Kabila may be providing covert support to the M23 rebel coalition. A high-ranking member of the ruling party recently remarked that Kabila's "unexpected" alliance with a group he once opposed raises eyebrows, hinting that there is "an underlying agenda" at play. This has left the government on…

The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has enacted a bold vision for regional justice. They recently unveiled plans to establish a Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court aimed at prosecuting offenses that transcend their borders. This initiative not only seeks to unify the legal frameworks of these three nations but also aspires to foster "an area of peace, security, and sustainable development." It’s a remarkable ambition, don’t you think? In articulating this goal, these nations are…