Arms and Military Affairs

The Nigerian presidency has made a somber announcement regarding the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff. President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the general's family and the entire military community. This tragic news comes just a year after the 56-year-old officer took on the prestigious role, and it is reported that he passed away in Lagos. The gravity of this loss resonates deeply not just within the military, but also throughout the nation. “His life was a testament to…

Gabon is gearing up for a significant referendum on November 16, where citizens will cast their votes concerning a newly proposed constitution. This impending decision has ignited a spectrum of reactions across the political landscape. One noteworthy aspect of the proposed constitution is that it would enable military leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to mount a campaign for the presidency. This particular element has raised eyebrows and prompted intense backlash from various opposition factions. The draft…

On September 27, tragic news emerged from Kaduna State, Nigeria, where a military airstrike aimed at combating notorious criminal gangs, widely referred to as bandits, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries among innocent civilians. This grim incident has been reported by various media outlets, with Human Rights Watch highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding. Calls for accountability, unwavering justice, and increased transparency have echoed through the community, yet the echoes seem to fall on deaf…

In a recent address, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi underscored Egypt’s solidarity with Somalia, a nation grappling with instability for nearly thirty years. As he spoke to distinguished guests during a ceremony celebrating a new class of police officers, Al-Sisi emphasized that Egypt's support for Somalia was not intended to provoke Ethiopia. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions in the region, especially following the arrival of a cargo ship laden with a substantial cache of military equipment from the Egyptian…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…