withdrawal

On a pivotal Wednesday in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar took center stage at the First Quarter Meeting to address Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Commanders. With an earnestness that captured everyone's attention, he broached the pressing matter of security challenges following the recent withdrawal of several countries from the newly established Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This shift, according to the Air Chief, isn't just a procedural hiccup but a monumental disruption to…

The recent expulsion of French troops from Côte d'Ivoire signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. This move follows a similar withdrawal from Chad earlier this year and mirrors actions taken by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—countries that have exhibited a growing discontent with French military presence. Could this be the death knell for French influence in the Sahel region? To understand the implications of this trend, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of historical relations.…

The decision to initially prevent Nigerians with ECOWAS passports from entering Niger stems from the nation's recent withdrawal from the West African regional group known as ECOWAS. But why such a drastic move? It all circles back to the political tremors reverberating through the region. Niger's exit—occurring alongside fellow nations Mali and Burkina Faso—followed a trio of coups that placed military governments at their helm. Some attempts at negotiations fell flat, and eventually, their departure was solidified in…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

In recent developments, Lebanese leaders have reached out to both the United States and France, urging them to compel Israel to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Their characterization of Israel's presence in several key areas as an "occupation" underscores the gravity of the situation following the expiration of a ceasefire deadline. The United Nations has labeled the incomplete withdrawal as a breach of a Security Council resolution. While many displaced individuals are slowly returning to their homes in the…

In a bold proclamation, the Sahel nations have unveiled their exit strategy from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), set to take effect in 2024. The catalyst for this decision? A chorus of criticism aimed at ECOWAS for allegedly being puppeteered by former colonial powers—a sentiment that resonates deeply in regions still grappling with the legacies of colonialism. To counter this narrative, the military regimes of these countries have unified under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), announcing an…

In a tragic turn of events, Israeli forces fired upon residents in southern Lebanon, resulting in two fatalities and 32 injuries, according to health officials. This incident unfolded as hundreds of anxious individuals attempted to return to their homes, coinciding with the deadline for the Israeli troops to fully withdraw from the region. Amid growing tension, it was evident that Israel was poised to miss the stipulated deadline outlined in a ceasefire agreement that was forged two months prior, effectively ending its…

The World Health Organization (WHO) is gearing up for a budgetary makeover in the wake of the United States’ withdrawal declaration, as communicated in a poignant internal memo from its leader. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus laid it all bare for staff in a message that sent ripples of concern through the agency. It was on the very first day of his second term that US President Donald Trump dropped the bombshell. He announced his intention to pull the country out of the WHO, claiming that the global health…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike has taken the lives of three Lebanese soldiers in southern Lebanon. This strike occurred while France hosted a crucial conference aimed at garnering support for the Lebanese state forces, which are increasingly viewed as essential for any peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The unfortunate incident involved the Lebanese troops as they attempted to evacuate the wounded from the outskirts of Yater, a village situated in southern Lebanon.…