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JNIM Claims Over 70 Soldiers Killed, Seizes Weapons and Drones in Attacks in Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso

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Sahel Military Alliance Imposes 0.5% Tariffs on ECOWAS as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Face U.S. Tariffs and AGOA Uncertainty

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Sprinter Observer

@SprinterObserve

Ordinary day in Yemen https://t.co/whrcMr9qNS

Chinasa Nworu

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Brother Dan Mudi: The First Martyr of the Yan Sakai Commandant– A Hero Who Defied Ful'ani In Zamfara Do you know why Ful'ani power-brokers conspired to eliminate Shaheed Commander Dan Mudi of Mada — the first leader of the Yan Sakai to fall in battle in 2023? Because he was https://t.co/g52Duvu11G

Chinasa Nworu

@ChinasaNworu

Viewer’s discretion! Biafrans and Nigerians, please circulate this video across all social media channels to raise awareness about the extent of Fulani herdsmen's crimes against innocent local populations within that entity known as Nigeria https://t.co/k0VRn6grXK

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2 days agoinWest Africa, Economics, Climate, Business, Environment, World

Cocoa Shortage Drives Double‑Digit Chocolate Price Increases for Easter 2025; Egg Costs Disrupt U.S. Traditions

79 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Apr 19, 2025, 04:41 AM

A sharp contraction in West African cocoa harvests has sent global cocoa prices skyrocketing, with several outlets reporting that futures are now at least twice their early‑2024 level and 90% above the start of the prior year. Brazilian and U.S. broadcasters note that bean deliveries have fallen 67% as erratic rainfall and disease batter crops in Ivory Coast and Ghana, which together supply roughly two‑thirds of the world’s cocoa. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit links the disruption to climate change, while sugar prices have also risen, compounding cost pressures for confectioners.

2 days agoinWest Africa, Tariffs, Economics, Politics, Business, World

Sahel Military Alliance Imposes 0.5% Tariffs on ECOWAS as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Face U.S. Tariffs and AGOA Uncertainty

4 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Published Apr 19, 2025, 12:13 PM

The military-led Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has imposed a 0.5% tariff on goods from rival Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations, escalating tensions in the region. This move risks triggering a trade war at a time when the Sahel's security and economy are already fragile. The Sahel states rely heavily on ECOWAS neighbors for essential supplies such as food, fuel, and port access, making the tariffs a risky strategy. The situation is further complicated by new U.S. tariffs and uncertainty surrounding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which have blindsided African countries and threatened regional economies. Lesotho, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s few manufacturing success stories, faces potential economic crisis due to steep U.S. tariffs. The Sahel coup leaders’ decision to escalate trade tensions with ECOWAS comes amid broader challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, prompting African nations to seek coordinated responses.

2 days agoinWest Africa, World

Former Coup Leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema Wins Gabon Presidency With 90% Vote in April 12 Election

7 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Published Apr 18, 2025, 07:39 PM

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a former coup leader, has been elected president of Gabon with approximately 90% of the vote in the April 12 election, marking a notable political transition following multiple military coups across Africa in recent years. His election has been recognized internationally, including congratulations from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who expressed a desire to deepen bilateral relations between Cuba and Gabon. Nguema's rise represents a departure from the previous Bongo dynasty and signals a shift in Gabon's political landscape. Analysts debate whether this marks a democratic breakthrough or a return to autocracy. Meanwhile, Nguema is expected to pursue a distinct policy approach toward France compared to other African military leaders. The election occurs amid broader regional tensions, including ongoing conflict in Sudan, where Chad advocates for peace, and other West African developments such as Burkina Faso's support for the AES joint force and Ghana's commitment to VAT reform.

1 day agoinWest Africa, War, Politics, World

JNIM Claims Over 70 Soldiers Killed, Seizes Weapons and Drones in Attacks in Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso

6 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Published Apr 19, 2025, 12:24 PM

The jihadist group Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in West Africa, notably in Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso. In Benin, JNIM attacked two military barracks near Kandi in the Alibori Department and military positions near Chutes du Koudou in the W National Park area. These attacks resulted in the deaths of at least eight soldiers, with some sources and JNIM itself claiming over 70 soldiers killed, though these figures remain disputed. The group reportedly seized a large quantity of weapons, equipment, ammunition, and three drones. In Mali, JNIM targeted military convoys and vehicles with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Dogofry, Diabaly, Konna, and Nioro du Sahel. In Burkina Faso, clashes near Kongoussi and Kaya led to JNIM capturing weapons, motorcycles, and equipment, and a military/VDP post in Bonam was attacked and subsequently ransacked. Additionally, several men linked to JNIM from Mali and Burkina Faso were arrested in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year for attempting to recruit local nationals to fight in the Sahel. Defensive fortifications remain in place around the besieged city of Djibo in Burkina Faso following a large-scale JNIM assault in November 2023.

2 days agoinWest Africa, Crime, Culture, World

Sex-for-Work Allegations at Bolloré Group and Hubert Fabri’s African Rubber Plantations Supplying Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Nestlé

11 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Published Apr 18, 2025, 06:31 PM

An investigation has revealed allegations of labor abuses, including sexual coercion, at rubber plantations in West Africa majority-owned by Hubert Fabri and billionaire Vincent Bolloré's Bolloré Group. Female workers at these plantations report being forced to engage in sex in exchange for work and wages. Despite the company's claims of having taken steps to improve conditions, these allegations remain widespread. The plantations supply rubber to major tire manufacturers such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental, while palm oil from these operations is supplied to Nestlé. Watchdog groups have found the allegations credible, and the issue has drawn attention due to the involvement of prominent business figures and multinational corporations.

6 days agoinWest Africa, Turkey, World

West African Bar Association Condemns Human Rights Abuses in Guinea-Bissau; 30 International Organizations Warn on Istanbul Bar Association Attacks

4 posts • GPT (4o mini)

Published Apr 14, 2025, 10:29 PM

The West African Bar Association has condemned human rights abuses and attacks on the judiciary and legal profession in Guinea-Bissau. Concurrently, a coalition of 30 international legal and human rights organizations has issued a warning regarding unacceptable attacks on the legal profession in Türkiye. This statement follows a controversial court decision that removed the elected leadership of the Istanbul Bar Association, leading to the prosecution and detention of its board members. Human rights advocates emphasize that these actions undermine the independence of lawyers and the rule of law in the country, calling for an immediate cessation of all legal and criminal proceedings against the Istanbul Bar Association's leadership.

10 days agoinWest Africa, Algeria, Mali, World

ECOWAS Calls for Dialogue on April 9, 2025, Amid Deep Concern Over Tensions Between Mali and Algeria

5 posts • GPT (4o mini)

Published Apr 10, 2025, 10:19 AM

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating tensions between Mali and Algeria. In a statement released on April 9, 2025, the organization called for dialogue and de-escalation, urging both nations to utilize regional and continental mechanisms to resolve their disputes. This call comes amid rising tensions that could impact stability in the region.

15 days agoinWest Africa, Russia, Politics, World

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Form Joint Security Force in Moscow with Russian Support to Combat Terrorism

5 posts • GPT (4o mini)

Published Apr 6, 2025, 10:07 PM

The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has announced the formation of a joint security force aimed at combating terrorism. This initiative was confirmed by Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop during discussions in Moscow. Diop emphasized that Russia is not only a partner but also a 'sincere ally' in this endeavor. The collaboration includes Russian support in the form of weapons and training for the new security force, which is seen as a response to the growing terrorist threats in the region. The joint statement from the Russian Federation and the Sahel States highlighted their commitment to mutual support and coordination on international platforms.