Spotlight | West Africa
AFRICOM fights for survival under Trump

Benin
To curb jihadist threat, Cotonou tries to win over hearts and minds

In order to hinder the recruitment and propaganda efforts of jihadist groups, the Beninese armed forces have set up local consultation structures designed to strengthen ties between the population and the army in the north of the country.

Benin
New AFRICOM boss expected in Cotonou

BENIN | General Dagvin Anderson, head of AFRICOM, plans to visit Benin, with whom the organisation has a long-standing relationship in the fight against terrorism.

South Africa
On the QT for the next AFRICOM exercise

The next joint exercise between Africa Command and the South African military is scheduled to take place in South Africa at the end of August. Discretion is required to avoid attracting the attention of the American authorities, whose diplomatic relations with Pretoria remain strained.

Africa
The Pentagon appoints head of military cooperation for Africa

The U.S. Department of Defense recently named Bryan J. Ellis as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Palace Intrigues
Donald Trump, Ali Bongo, Tidjane Thiam

Intrigues big and small – every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

AfricaThe cream of diplomacy on the continent meet in Washington for ‘Africa Day'

GabonAli Bongo's new London life

Ivory CoastTidjane Thiam's real estate manoeuvres

Somalia
African Union fails to obtain US financial support for AUSSOM

The AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, Bankole Adeoye, is no longer in position to convince Trump's administration to support its future peace mission in Somalia. A sponsors conference will be held at Doha at the end of the month.

Niger
US withholds armoured vehicles after junta ends military cooperation

The breakdown in military cooperation between the United States and Niger, announced on 16 March by General Abdourahamane Tchiani's junta, is likely to have a direct impact on the modernisation of the Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN).