The United Nations says weapons looted during Libya’s 2011 conflict are now stoking violence across West Africa, turning up in the arsenals of extremist groups in Nigeria and throughout the Sahel. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, told delegates at the UN headquarters in New York that the illicit arms trade fueled by that looting is amplifying insecurity in the region. Speaking on the proliferation of illicit arms, Nakamitsu warned that weapons diverted or…

Mali's military junta has announced a significant $3.5 million bounty for information that could lead to the capture or killing of Iyad Ag Ghaly, the leader of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). This move follows a substantial offensive initiated in April in collaboration with Tuareg rebels. The recent assaults mark the most extensive campaign against the Malian government in over a decade, resulting in numerous fatalities, including that of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. Ghaly, a former…

In response to alarming reports of armed bandits allegedly attacking various communities with a specific focus on school children, police in Lagos are taking decisive steps to reassure the public. A recent police statement highlighted the serious repercussions of circulating false security alerts, which have already resulted in a “tragic and avoidable loss of life” following an incident where a group of youths killed a motorcycle rider. The police emphasized their commitment to accountability, declaring, “Individuals found…

In a significant leadership shift, President Adama Barrow has named Major General Ousman Gomez as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces. This decision comes on the heels of Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham's resignation, which was surrounded by serious allegations of misconduct. In his resignation letter, Cham cited his departure was prompted by "numerous allegations of misconduct and abuse of office inconsistent with the Office of Chief of Defence Staff." Prior to his new role, Gomez held the…

For the first time in Mali's turbulent north, the military, alongside Russian forces, has commenced the use of cluster munitions amid ongoing conflicts involving jihadist factions, separatist groups, and governmental troops that have persisted for over a decade. Sources on the ground, security experts, and human rights organizations have confirmed that these bombs were deployed during recent counter-terrorism operations. Reports indicate that the initial strike took place in Oubder, situated near In-Gouzma within the…

In a significant escalation of military efforts, the U.S. and Nigerian forces have launched new airstrikes against militant groups in northern Nigeria, occurring shortly after the announcement regarding the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a prominent figure within these insurgent factions. According to a recent statement from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrikes were executed on Sunday and specifically targeted ISIS militants. Notably, there were no reported casualties among either U.S. or Nigerian military…

In a significant declaration, Dansa Kourouma, the Speaker of Guinea's National Transitional Council (NTC), affirmed the nation's commitment to safeguarding the contested Solumba border region. This area is at the heart of a territorial disagreement, with Liberia asserting that it lies within its own boundaries. Kourouma's remarks emerged during a discussion at the ECOWAS Parliament, as reported by Senator Edwin Snowe, who leads the Liberian delegation. According to Snowe, Kourouma conveyed to the regional assembly that,…

In a tragic incident that has heightened concerns over civilian safety, an airstrike by the Nigerian military in Tumfa market, Zamfara State, has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 100 civilians. Amnesty International is urgently calling for an investigation into the strike, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of attacks that have taken a heavy toll on innocent lives. However, military officials have refuted claims of civilian casualties in this latest operation. This aerial bombardment coincided with another…

Tragedy strikes the Lake Chad Basin as over 40 Nigerian fishers are feared dead following airstrikes launched by Chad aimed at Boko Haram positions. Abubakar Gamandi Usman, the chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Fisheries Association of Nigeria, expressed grave concerns that some fishers might have been directly struck during the assaults, while others reportedly drowned while attempting to escape in overcrowded boats. As of now, no bodies have been recovered from the water. The Chadian government described the air raids as…

In a bold move, Burkina Faso's media authority has put a halt to operations of the French news outlet TV5Monde, levying accusations of "disinformation" and "apology for terrorism" against the network. This suspension stems from the broadcaster's coverage of the ongoing insurgencies affecting Burkina Faso and its neighbor, Mali, which highlighted rising insecurity and purported human rights abuses by the security forces. Human Rights Watch has characterized this action as a component of a wider initiative aimed at stifling…