Expanding Iranian influence in Africa: Trade, weapons, and chaos

Iran is seeking greater influence, via trade and weapons exports, in Africa, two new reports claim. The assertion, at the UAE-based Al-Ain media, describes how Iran is “is expanding its footprint in Africa, offering a recipe for weapons, trade partnerships and chaos to enhance its influence on the African continent.” It is using the … Read more

West African coup juntas threaten to quit regional bloc: What it means

ACCRA, Ghana – ECOWAS flag with member flags at the second extraordinary summit on the political situation in Burkina Faso, in Accra, Ghana, on February 3, 2022. Photo by NIPAH DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images Three West African countries currently under the rule of military juntas have announced plans to exit the Economic Community of West … Read more

As Meloni embraces Africa, Europe holds its breath – POLITICO

Heavy lifting ahead For her plan to work and to attract the necessary firepower, expertise and resources, Meloni needs buy-in from the EU. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, who could find herself in need of Meloni’s support after the June EU election to secure a second term, has confirmed she will attend the … Read more

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso quit ECOWAS bloc as West African tensions deepen – POLITICO

They charged that ECOWAS has “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism.” “Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its populations whose happiness it is supposed to ensure,” they said. Considered West Africa’s top political and regional … Read more

Niger junta recalcitrant, interfering with humanitarian access – ECOWAS Commission

The military junta in Niger is recalcitrant and has refused to release President Mohamed Bazoum and members of his cabinet and family, the President of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Touray, said on Sunday in Abuja at the ongoing meeting of ECOWAS leaders. Mr Touray also said the junta, which … Read more