Arms and Military Affairs

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…

In a significant development, Southern African troops have commenced their evacuation from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a tumultuous period marked by conflict and casualties. This withdrawal comes in light of a harrowing January offensive launched by the M23 armed group, which has left a grim toll—a heartbreaking loss of 17 soldiers. The decision to retreat was made by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting the dire situation on the ground. The SADC Mission in the Democratic…

At just 36, Captain Ibrahim Traore has carved a remarkable niche for himself as the youngest head of state globally, seizing control through a military coup in 2022. Yet, beneath the veneer of youthful vigor lies a precarious foundation; Traore himself has weathered numerous attempts at coups, making his position seem less a triumph and more a continual struggle for stability, as observed by Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. Since taking office, Traore has voiced a fervent commitment to…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, known for their ties to Rwanda, have declared a ceasefire in the eastern regions of the country. This agreement will remain in effect until peace negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, are brought to a close. It’s a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has claimed an estimated 7,000 lives since M23 escalated its military campaign in January. In a joint statement, representatives from both factions characterized their recent discussions as "frank and…

On April 8, former President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo made a significant announcement: after six years of relative silence and one year spent in exile, he would be returning to his homeland. This decision comes in the wake of an increasingly dire security situation in eastern Congo, a region that has struggled with violence and instability for decades. Reflecting on his time away, Kabila explained that he had opted to suspend his studies in South Africa in March, pivoting his focus to the mounting…

In a significant development, three American nationals who found themselves entangled in a coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this past May have recently returned to the United States. Initially met with the harrowing prospect of the death penalty, their situations evolved, resulting in commuted sentences that will now be served on home soil. This transition marks not just an end to their judicial ordeal abroad but also aligns with broader diplomatic negotiations. The decision to repatriate these…

Algeria recently found itself at the center of a diplomatic storm after allegations emerged that it shot down a Malian reconnaissance drone within Malian airspace. The Algerian defense ministry swiftly countered these claims, asserting that the evidence from radar systems undeniably indicated the drone had breached Algerian territory. This incident has exacerbated tensions that were already simmering between the two nations, complicating a relationship marked by historical grievances. The unfolding situation is reminiscent…