Month: May 2026

The solemn ceremony marking the official presentation of credentials by the newly appointed European Union ambassador to Chad took place today at the Palais Toumaï in N’Djamena. Ambassador Amador Sanchez Rico, accompanied by key diplomatic staff including Sona Jarosova, head of the political section, and Karl Rawert, cooperation chief for the EU delegation in Chad, was received by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The event also included the presence of Fatimé Aldjineh Garfa, Deputy Minister for African Integration and Chadians Abroad. This formal procedure signifies the official commencement of a…

The fourth edition of the Environment and Energy University kicked off in Dakar this week, uniting global experts, researchers, public authorities, civil society groups, and technical partners. Over two days, the event will drive forward critical conversations about Senegal’s energy transition and sustainable development, addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and the recent expansion of oil and gas projects. The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Elhadji Ndiaye, representing the Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines. Key stakeholders—including the National Agency for Renewable Energies (ANER), the Senegalese Rural…

Mali’s strategic misstep with foreign mercenaries fuels insurgency and economic strain The Malian junta’s 2021 decision to enlist Russian mercenaries to counter Tuareg rebels in the North has backfired spectacularly, analysts warn. Rather than quelling unrest, the move allowed jihadist factions like the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) to expand their reach, imposing crippling blockades that cripple the nation’s economy. From counterterrorism to civilian massacres The Russian-backed Africa Corps adopted a heavy-handed approach, targeting ethnic groups suspected of rebel…

The political landscape in Central African Republic is witnessing a dramatic shift as Russian mercenaries officially take center stage, intensifying divisions within the Mouvement Patriotique pour la Centrafrique (MPC). The move has triggered a chain reaction, compelling key figures including Didot Ali and his successor to relocate to Bossangoa, a strategic stronghold in the northwest. Russian mercenaries expand influence in conflict zones Their involvement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing security crisis, as Moscow-backed operatives solidify control over critical regions. Reports confirm their presence is no longer covert; instead,…

The kidnapping industry has become a major revenue stream for Boko Haram, fueling its violent campaign across West Africa. What began as isolated incidents has evolved into a sophisticated operation generating millions in illicit funds. An alarming scale of abductions Recent data from Nigeria—the worst-affected country—paints a grim picture. Between mid-2024 and mid-2025, nearly 5,000 people were kidnapped in roughly 1,000 incidents, according to security risk analysts. Hundreds of victims lost their lives in these attacks, many targeting schools in northern Nigeria. The crisis extends beyond borders, with Boko Haram…

How kidnapping fuels Boko Haram’s war machine in West Africa A shadow economy of abductions has become a cornerstone of funding for Boko Haram, transforming hostage-taking into a highly organized industry that stretches across Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. What began as isolated attacks has evolved into a systematic revenue stream, with ransoms and forced recruitment feeding the jihadist group’s expansion. The human cost: thousands abducted in a single year In Nigeria—the epicenter of this crisis—over 4,700 people were kidnapped in nearly 1,000 incidents between July 2024 and June 2025…