Arms and Military Affairs

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…

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

In a tragic display of violence, the heart-wrenching toll in Nigeria's central Benue state has escalated, with at least 42 lives claimed in a series of brutal attacks. This disheartening episode highlights a grim reality that many Nigerians face daily. A police spokesperson has confirmed these assaults, detailing a particularly harrowing incident where a police officer tragically lost his life while bravely defending against the assailants. Benue state, nestled in Nigeria's Middle Belt, serves as a poignant backdrop to the…

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made headlines, casting a decisive vote that stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. This significant move comes amidst serious accusations linking him to the M23 rebel group, which, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in territorial conflicts in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions. In an outcome reflecting a clear majority, 88 senators supported the motion, while a mere five stood in opposition and three abstained. This overwhelming…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

In a decisive move, the military junta governing Mali has declared the dissolution of all political parties. This bold announcement emphasizes the junta’s commitment to initiating a “reform process” and signals intentions to draft a new law aimed at regulating the political landscape in the nation. This decision follows a national conference where political parties reportedly conferred upon military leader Assimi Goita a five-year presidential term. Goita, who assumed power after a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, now…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…