Niger’s Military Junta Revoked Anti-migration Policy – What are the broader Implications?
By Adam Abass Niger’s ancient city of Agadez has long been a transit route for illegal migrants and asylum seekers trying to reach Europe. In 2015, over a million illegal migrants and asylum seekers attempted this journey, creating a political and humanitarian crisis for EU countries. To address this surge, the Nigerien government, with the[…]
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Unpacking the Controversial U.K- Rwanda Asylum deal
By Oluwaseun Taiwo The U.K – Rwanda asylum deal aims to relocate asylum seekers from the U.K. to Rwanda for processing, with the goal of discouraging irregular migration. However, it has faced criticism from human rights organizations and legal experts regarding the lack of transparency and concerns about the safety and rights of asylum seekers.[…]
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A Shift in Sahel’s Geopolitical Landscape: Declining Relations with France, Growing Alignment with Russia
By Elizabeth Ibe France shortcomings in its engagement with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have inadvertently created an opportunity for Russia to capitalize on the situation, by intensifying its efforts to bolster its presence in the Sahel region of Africa while diminishing Western influence. France historical involvement in the Sahel dates to the colonial period,[…]
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Local Militias in the Sahel Region are Hindering Counter-Terrorism Efforts
By Adam Abass Understanding Al-Shabaab The 2012 Tuareg rebellion in Mali set the stage for jihadist presence in the Sahel and jihadist groups in the region have gained grounds and emerged as violent actors threatening the peace, and security of Sahelian states with spillover to Niger and Burkina Faso. The violent activities of JNIM and[…]
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Setting Sail Again: Exploring the Resurgence of Somali Piracy in the Context of African Development
By Unwana Samuel Understanding Al-Shabaab Somali piracy has been a thorn in the side of international security for years. Pirates have been causing trouble and harm in the waters off the coast. Fortunately, the pirates’ influence and impact started decreasing in 2013. However, their operations resurged in recent months. On 12th March 2024, pirates hijacked[…]
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Strengthening the Somalian State’s Capacity to Deal with Al-Shabaab
By Lauretta Jimba Understanding Al-Shabaab Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group, which has been linked to Al Qaeda and pledged allegiance to its leadership, emerged in Somalia in the mid-2000s, with the aim of overthrowing the Somali government, and establishing an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Since then, Al-Shabaab has carried out numerous high-profile attacks[…]
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Assessing the Economic and Security Prospects of Niger Republic under Military Rule
By David Odunusi Since July 2023, Niger Republic has been under military rule. The military seized power from the democratically elected government of President Bazoum, who had come into power less than two years in a relatively free and fair election. The military’s justification for seizing power in Niger Republic revolves around perceived governance failures,[…]
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Faye’s Triumph: A Catalyst for Populist Surge In Africa?
By Chidinma Nebolisa March 2024 marked a historic moment in Senegal’s political landscape as Bassirou Diomaye Faye ascended to the presidency, becoming Africa’s youngest leader. From Macky Sall’s postponement to Faye’s landslide victory, the Senegalese election saga has been one for the books, captivating global attention. Many attribute his victory to his “radical” campaign ideologies,[…]
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The Return of Zuma: A Political Controversy Unfolds
By Oluwaseun Taiwo As South Africa gears up for its upcoming election, the political landscape is once again dominated by the controversial figure of former President Jacob Zuma. Amidst a storm of legal battles and public outcry, Zuma has announced his candidacy for the presidency under the banner of the uMKhonto We SIZWe (MK) party.[…]
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Nigeria’s Militarised Democracy and the 2023 Presidential Election
By Michael Nwankpa A Brief History of Democracy in Nigeria Nigeria’s fledgling democracy boasts of six elections and three changes of government. All these have happened since 1999 when Nigeria returned to civilian government after 16 years of consecutive military regimes. Most describe this period as the Fourth Republic. The Fourth Republic is Nigeria’s longest democratic[…]
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