Arms and Military Affairs

Benin Military Ousts President Talon in Sudden Coup In a shocking turn of events, the government of Benin was upended early Sunday morning as military personnel took to public television to declare the removal of President Patrice Talon. The self-proclaimed Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) announced that Talon would be replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, who will now lead the committee. The military's dramatic announcement has sent ripples through West Africa, raising concerns about stability in a region…

Army Rescues 12 Girls Abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State In a significant operation, troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 12 girls abducted by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in the Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State. The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while working in their farmlands. One girl managed to escape and return home safely, leaving 12 others in captivity. Acting on actionable intelligence, the army conducted a targeted…

Coup in Guinea-Bissau: General Horta Nta Na Man Installed as Transitional President In a dramatic turn of events, Guinea-Bissau's military has officially installed General Horta Nta Na Man as the transitional president, marking the beginning of a one-year interim administration. This announcement follows a coup that saw senior military officers depose President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, halt the electoral process, and establish the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order." The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau…

Rwanda Rebuts Macron's Claims on Goma Airport's Reopening The Rwandan government has publicly challenged French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks concerning the resumption of flights at Goma Airport. Macron suggested that both the M23 rebel group and those controlling the airport had not made sufficient efforts to allow flights to resume while asserting that "all the administrative conditions have nevertheless been met by DR Congo." In a pointed response, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe criticized…

Security Concerns Mount Following Distressing School Abduction in Niger State Authorities in northern Niger State are grappling with the fallout from a "distressing" abduction of students and staff from a local school. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, underscores the increasing volatility in the region. A senior government official confirmed that the abduction took place after a violent attack in the area. This distressing event unfolded in the context of previously reported intelligence…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted Lieutenant Gen. Emmanuel Matatu and named him head of the Zimbabwean Defence Force (ZDF), and elevated Major Gen. Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to lieutenant general as commander of the Zimbabwean Armed Forces, the presidency said in a statement. The statement said the appointments and promotions were made “in keeping with the country’s Constitution.” It gave no further detail on the timing of the handovers, the officials’ previous postings or any accompanying changes to the defence…

ECCHR accuses TotalEnergies of complicity in Mozambique massacre The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights filed a complaint with French prosecutors accusing TotalEnergies of complicity in war crimes over a 2021 massacre near its multibillion-dollar gas project in northern Mozambique. The complaint centers on allegations that Mozambican security forces tortured and executed civilians held in shipping containers at a site tied to the project. The complaint alleges involvement in torture and executions of…

Gunmen Strike Despite Security Presence in Kebbi State In a shocking incident that has left a community shaken, armed assailants launched a raid in Kebbi State, Nigeria, resulting in multiple casualties. Reports indicate that the attackers infiltrated the area via the densely wooded Zamfara forests, demonstrating their ability to bypass military checkpoints that were supposed to ensure safety in the region. Fatalities and Community Impact The violent raid resulted in the tragic deaths of a school teacher and a local…

Tragedy Strikes Amid Recruitment Drive in Accra In a devastating turn of events, at least six individuals lost their lives in a stampede at a sports stadium in Accra during a Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise. As the day was meant to represent opportunity for many, it quickly spiraled into chaos, reflecting the urgent need for safety protocols and effective crowd management. The Onset of Tragedy The scene at the stadium was one of eager anticipation, yet it transformed into tragedy when a surge of…

Tensions Rise as Nigerian Minister Confronts Army Officer: A Deep Dive into Power Dynamics A viral video capturing a heated exchange between Nyesom Wike, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, and Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, a junior army officer, has ignited discussions about authority, accountability, and public conduct among leaders. The incident, which revolves around a disputed plot of land, raises questions not only about the individuals involved but also about the broader implications for governance in…