Protesters waving Russian flags during the recent protest in Nigeria.
Nairametrics
Nigeria shares a long border with Niger. With the expanded relationship between Niger and Russia, the Wagner group poses a threat to the region, especially Nigeria.
Protesters in Bamako hold a banner reading “Thank you Wagner” to celebrate French troops’ withdrawal from Mali in 2022.
Florent Vergnes/AFP via Getty Images
The ambush of Russia’s Wagner soldiers and Malian forces by rebels with Ukrainian support raises concerns of the beginning of a proxy war between Russia and Ukraine in west Africa.
Malians demonstrate in support of Russia on the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Mali, in Bamako, Mali, in September 2020. Russian mercenaries have played a key role in the fighting in several African countries, prompting attacks by Ukrainian-backed rebels.
(AP Photo)
In causing disproportionate losses to Russian soldiers in Africa, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces give their soldiers and the people of Ukraine a morale boost amid a largely stagnant war at home.
Heads of Niger’s military junta Gen. Tiani (C), Malian Col. Goita (L) and Burkina Faso’s Capt. Traore (R) after signing the Confederation of Sahel States documents in Niamey on 6 July 2024.
AFP via Getty Images
To win its counterinsurgency war, Mali’s military must focus on the fragility of the state, strained military capabilities, and fallout from Russian-Ukraine crisis.
People protesting the US military presence in Niamey, Niger on 13 April 2024.
Balima Boureima/Anadolu via Getty Images
As the US winds down its military operations in Niger, it is clear that its presence did not lead to eradication of terrorism in the country.
Soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces are being supported by foreign fighters.
AP Photo/Hussein Malla
Outside fighters are not merely mercenaries – they are participants in a deeply rooted, historically complex struggle for resources.
Ecowas president Omar Touray speaking at a meeting of heads of state and government in Abuja on 24 February 2024.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images
Scholars explain recent developments in Ecowas and the implications for the region.
A camp for displaced persons in Burkina Faso, May 2024.
Fanny Naoro-Kabré/AFP via Getty Images
Burkina Faso tops the list of the world’s most neglected crises in the world for the second time in a row.
People parading a Russian flag around the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo
Niger’s military government sides with Russia in the latest sign of Moscow’s growing influence in Africa.
A Nigerien official explains to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the jihadist crisis facing Niger and the surrounding region in March 2023.
Boureima Hama/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The disintegration of the United States’ relationship with Niger following its military coup in 2023 is giving way to stronger ties between the African country and Russia and China.
Photo by Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images
Never before have four governments, including one of the regional leaders, Senegal, been simultaneously eager and ready to get out of the neo-colonial stranglehold of the CFA franc.
A US military drone at the Barkhane French military base, Niamey on 22 December 2019.
Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Niger is cutting military ties with the US. This has implications for security in the Sahel region.
Protesters barricade a street in reaction to postponement of the presidential election in Dakar, Senegal on 9 February.
Cem Ozdel/Anadolu via Getty Images
Attempts to postpone Senegal’s election indefinitely reflect deeper governance problems within Macky Sall’s administration, and the shortcomings of his chosen heir, Amadou Ba.
An anti-colonial demonstration against the CFA franc in Dakar, September 2017.
Seyllou/AFP via Getty Images
Several conditions must be met to ensure the successful launch and operation of a multilateral currency.
The use of mother tongues as languages of instruction has become popular in many parts of Africa.
Issouf Sanogo/Getty Images
Bilingual education can improve learning outcomes but it’s important to consider local context.
A protester holds a placard reading ‘down with Ecowas’ during a rally in Bamako on 1 February 2024.
Ousmane Makaveli /AFP via Getty Images
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have much to lose if they cannot migrate to and from neighbouring countries in Ecowas.
Leaders of Ecowas at a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on 10 December 2023.
Nigerian Presidency /Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their intention to leave Ecowas. This may be a pointer to a deeper crisis in the Sahel region.
Ecowas has struggled to handle a raft of military coups.
U.S. Army Southern Europe Photostream/Flickr
The decision by the three countries could change the dynamics of Ecowas.
Protesters in Niger’s capital Niamey hold a Russian flag and banner with images of coup leaders in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.
AFP via Getty Images
Niger’s recent military romance with Russia could escalate tensions with France, regional allies and the European Union.
Children’s education is frequently disrupted in conflict-fraught areas.
Daniel Beloumou Olomo/AFP via Getty Images
Education can spur peace and development. Here are five essential reads on the topic.