External Relations

Trump Threatens Continued Military Action Against Nigeria Amid Unrest U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding potential military strikes against Nigeria, emphasizing a readiness to escalate military action if the killing of Christians continues. "I'd love to make it a one-time strike," he stated in an interview with the New York Times. "But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike." This declaration follows a decisive military operation conducted by the U.S. Africa…

Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Detained in U.S. Amid Corruption Allegations U.S. immigration authorities have detained Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's former Finance Minister, who is currently wanted in his home country on corruption allegations. According to his legal team, the former official has been in the United States since January 2024 to receive treatment for prostate cancer. Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive by Ghanaian authorities shortly before being formally charged in November 2025. In December,…

African Union and Member States React to U.S. Intervention in Venezuela The African Union (AU), along with several countries including Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa, has expressed significant concern over the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela. This situation escalated when U.S. authorities seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as part of an indictment involving drug and weapon charges. In an official statement, the AU stated it would be "following with grave concern the recent developments in…

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has highlighted three critical conflicts in Africa that are poised to carry into 2026, following a tumultuous year marred by violence and instability. The ICG's "conflicts to watch" report names Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the volatile situation in Mali and Burkina Faso as focal points that require immediate international attention. Having faced a devastating escalation in violence throughout 2025, these regions find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Sudan, under the shadow of a…

Kenya Issues Alert Over Falsified SIMULECT Drug Kenya's Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert warning against falsified versions of SIMULECT (basiliximab), an injectable immunosuppressive drug critical for preventing kidney transplant rejection. This warning comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) circulated an alert regarding the counterfeiting of this vital medication. The falsified SIMULECT has been reported in several countries including Rwanda, Bulgaria, and Türkiye. Concerns arise from…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State-Aligned Camp in Nigeria On Christmas Day, U.S. airstrikes launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted camps linked to Islamic State-aligned militants in Sokoto state, northwestern Nigeria. While the operation has drawn attention, details remain scant. No civilian casualties have been reported. U.S. Africa Command (Africom) announced on December 26 that "multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps." However, the lack of transparent information has raised concerns among human…

U.S. Diplomatic Recall Impacts Relations with Africa Amid Trump Administration's Policies In a sweeping diplomatic maneuver, the Trump administration has recalled dozens of U.S. diplomats from posts around the world, with significant ramifications for relationships in Africa. Among the envoys affected are diplomats from 13 African nations, including key countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Senegal. This directive mandates that these ambassadors vacate their posts by mid-January 2026, a move that raises eyebrows amid…

U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Nigeria, Rules Out Military Deployment A U.S. Congressional delegation that recently visited Nigeria to assess the country's security situation has ruled out the possibility of deploying American troops to the West African nation. The lawmakers stated that Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is aimed at encouraging diplomatic reforms rather than invoking military intervention. "It is unacceptable that anyone—Muslim or Christian—is experiencing this level of…

Ghana Seeks Extradition of Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta The Ghanaian government has formally transmitted an extradition request to the United States Department of Justice for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. This development marks a significant chapter in the country's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, reflecting a renewed focus on accountability in public office. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Ghana's Attorney General and Minister for Justice, announced that the request follows an intensive investigation…

Trump Expands Travel Restrictions, Targeting 15 Additional Countries President Donald Trump has expanded United States travel restrictions to include an additional 15 countries, predominantly in Africa, a move that is poised to exacerbate tensions in U.S.-Africa relations and disrupt travel, education, and business connections across the continent. Among the newly added countries, 11 are African: Angola, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This…