Third, I suspect the reason for the invasion being called off may have been a signal to ECOWAS from the US and France that they would unwilling to provide major support in the event of a regional war with the AES. Diplomatic support certainly, but not free weapons and ammunition, which are in short supply due to the war in Ukraine, and now another potential war in the Middle East.
West Africa is just not high enough on the list of foreign priorities, so for ECOWAS, the easier course is to simply work around the new Niger regime as has been done with Mali and Burkina Faso.
West Africa is just not high enough on the list of foreign priorities, so for ECOWAS, the easier course is to simply work around the new Niger regime as has been done with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Fourthly and finally, in my opinion this is the best result for the region.
A war between ECOWAS and the AES would benefit neither country, would be unpopular among the people on both sides, and simply see insurgencies, refugees and inflation spiral out of control.
This would severely damage West Africa, not to mention other regions which would feel the effects of a crisis there.
A war between ECOWAS and the AES would benefit neither country, would be unpopular among the people on both sides, and simply see insurgencies, refugees and inflation spiral out of control.
This would severely damage West Africa, not to mention other regions which would feel the effects of a crisis there.
🇳🇬 Nigerian troops report the arrest of two gun runners supplying terrorist groups in Kaduna state.
The troops recovered a quantity of ammunition and automatic rifles, including one locally crafted AK-47.
The troops recovered a quantity of ammunition and automatic rifles, including one locally crafted AK-47.
🇧🇫 Intra-jihadist warfare in Ganta
Heavy clashes have taken place around the village of Ganta in eastern Burkina Faso, between IS-Sahel and JNIM/AQIM.
IS forces raided and occupied the village for cattle some days ago, killing some 50 civilians in the process.
The next day, JNIM, which sees the village as part of its territory, retaliated in force, leading to heavy clashes that have killed about 50 fighters between the two sides.
Meanwhile, the Burkinabè armed forces have completely lost control of the area.
Heavy clashes have taken place around the village of Ganta in eastern Burkina Faso, between IS-Sahel and JNIM/AQIM.
IS forces raided and occupied the village for cattle some days ago, killing some 50 civilians in the process.
The next day, JNIM, which sees the village as part of its territory, retaliated in force, leading to heavy clashes that have killed about 50 fighters between the two sides.
Meanwhile, the Burkinabè armed forces have completely lost control of the area.
🇺🇸🇳🇪 US Senate votes to keep troops, drone base in Niger
The American Senate voted down legislation which would have forced the US to withdraw from the Sahelian country, where it maintains a major drone base at Agadez.
The measure was rejected by 86–11.
Republican Senator Rand Paul was a major critic of the US presence in Niger, saying it was deployed without congressional approval and is an unnecessary drain on American taxpayers.
On the other hand, Democratic Senator Ben Cardin argued that a US withdrawal could leave a vacuum for the influence of Russia and Wagner mercenaries in the Sahel.
The US currently has about 1,000 military personnel in Niger.
The American Senate voted down legislation which would have forced the US to withdraw from the Sahelian country, where it maintains a major drone base at Agadez.
The measure was rejected by 86–11.
Republican Senator Rand Paul was a major critic of the US presence in Niger, saying it was deployed without congressional approval and is an unnecessary drain on American taxpayers.
On the other hand, Democratic Senator Ben Cardin argued that a US withdrawal could leave a vacuum for the influence of Russia and Wagner mercenaries in the Sahel.
The US currently has about 1,000 military personnel in Niger.
Forwarded from Bellum Acta - Intel, Urgent News and Archives
It happens just 6 days after the events in Helsinki where Igbo activists from all globe (and supposedly Israeli Intelligence agents) gathered to discuss and establish the grounds for a Formal Secession of Biafra from Nigeria
https://fxtwitter.com/DhqrsBLF/status/1718164338060464543
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FxTwitter / FixupX
DEFENSE HEADQUARTERS BIAFRA LIBERATION FORCES (@DhqrsBLF)
The Biafra defence forces #BDF wish to announce offensive operations across all Nigerian military base in Biafraland. Once again, stay away from the Nigerian terrorist military base. It's going to be....
Sahel Intel
This same account claims that three days ago, a major battle took place between Nigerian and Biafran forces at Orsumoghu in Anambra state, in which 100 Nigerian troops were killed.
The Nigerian Army has neither confirmed nor denied this.
https://twitter.com/DhqrsBLF/status/1717496472957018382?t=XkjIDAyvJkKN__Wshne8Jg&s=19
The Nigerian Army has neither confirmed nor denied this.
https://twitter.com/DhqrsBLF/status/1717496472957018382?t=XkjIDAyvJkKN__Wshne8Jg&s=19
🇲🇱🇳🇪 #Mali🇲🇱 - Unconfirmed claims that a plane was shot down near Tessalit airport (Amachach). Rumors that the plane was a C-130. Malis Air Force does not own a C-130, so it may be a Niger🇳🇪 Air Force C-130H. Waiting for more information.
https://twitter.com/fabsenbln/status/1718953621776126002?t=Cf_kcN2D1T6xI9pyZAxN1Q&s=19
https://twitter.com/fabsenbln/status/1718953621776126002?t=Cf_kcN2D1T6xI9pyZAxN1Q&s=19
Sahel Intel
🇲🇱🇳🇪 #Mali🇲🇱 - Unconfirmed claims that a plane was shot down near Tessalit airport (Amachach). Rumors that the plane was a C-130. Malis Air Force does not own a C-130, so it may be a Niger🇳🇪 Air Force C-130H. Waiting for more information. https://twitter…
🇲🇱🇳🇪 Via Departamente:
Since August 20, the Niger junta has provided its C130 military transport aircraft number 5UMBH to the Malian military government as part of military support against CSP-PSD forces.
This cargo ship, supported by a second (less frequent) one, makes several trips along the route Bamako-Gao-Tessalit-Niamay-Bamako.
The images accompanying the post were taken at Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) in Bamako and are dated October 27, 2023.
#Niger #Mali
https://t.me/departamente/2325?single
Since August 20, the Niger junta has provided its C130 military transport aircraft number 5UMBH to the Malian military government as part of military support against CSP-PSD forces.
This cargo ship, supported by a second (less frequent) one, makes several trips along the route Bamako-Gao-Tessalit-Niamay-Bamako.
The images accompanying the post were taken at Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) in Bamako and are dated October 27, 2023.
#Niger #Mali
https://t.me/departamente/2325?single
Telegram
Departamente
🇳🇬 State House of Assembly attacked by arsonists in Nigeria's Rivers state
The southern state of Rivers saw its State House of Assembly attacked by arsonists yesterday, believed to be goons of local politicians.
The Assembly recently voted to begin the process of impeaching House Speaker Edison While and Rivers Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Soon afterwards, a riot broke out outside the assembly, suppressed by police with tear gas canisters.
Fubara claims police officers in the pay of rival politicians have also tried to assassinate him.
Local police and fire services have successfully put out the blaze, and the complex is now under heavy protection by soldiers and armored personnel carriers.
The southern state of Rivers saw its State House of Assembly attacked by arsonists yesterday, believed to be goons of local politicians.
The Assembly recently voted to begin the process of impeaching House Speaker Edison While and Rivers Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Soon afterwards, a riot broke out outside the assembly, suppressed by police with tear gas canisters.
Fubara claims police officers in the pay of rival politicians have also tried to assassinate him.
Local police and fire services have successfully put out the blaze, and the complex is now under heavy protection by soldiers and armored personnel carriers.
🇳🇪 Islamic State finally publishes photos from a massive spree of ambushes on Nigerien army at the beginning of October, where Niger suffered disastrous casualties with over 120 soldiers killed.
Hundreds of jihadists on pick-ups and motorcycles in action.
This is only the prelude to the war in Sahel that is unfolding. Both AQ and IS exploit the vacuum that Wagner and voluntary militias armed by juntas simply cannot fill after France left.
- Pawel Wójcik
https://twitter.com/SaladinAlDronni/status/1718701741489983755?t=n3iD768w3VaLGZoql7Fd9g&s=19
Hundreds of jihadists on pick-ups and motorcycles in action.
This is only the prelude to the war in Sahel that is unfolding. Both AQ and IS exploit the vacuum that Wagner and voluntary militias armed by juntas simply cannot fill after France left.
- Pawel Wójcik
https://twitter.com/SaladinAlDronni/status/1718701741489983755?t=n3iD768w3VaLGZoql7Fd9g&s=19
🇳🇪🇳🇬 Niamey court confirms ex-President Mohamed Bazoum attempted to escape to Nigeria
An appeal court in Niger's capital has confirmed that an elaborate plan was devised by ex-President Bazoum and his supporters to escape the country, despite being under house arrest since a military coup earlier this year.
Bazoum, his family, and his cooks planned to be smuggled to a house on the outskirts of Niamey, and from there take a covert helicopter trip to Birnin Kebbi, in northwest Nigeria.
The plotters were caught partway through this plan some time ago, with a large stash of foreign currency and sim cards.
An appeal court in Niger's capital has confirmed that an elaborate plan was devised by ex-President Bazoum and his supporters to escape the country, despite being under house arrest since a military coup earlier this year.
Bazoum, his family, and his cooks planned to be smuggled to a house on the outskirts of Niamey, and from there take a covert helicopter trip to Birnin Kebbi, in northwest Nigeria.
The plotters were caught partway through this plan some time ago, with a large stash of foreign currency and sim cards.
🇮🇳🇳🇬 Indian Muslim televangelist meets "Muslim Airforce" in Nigeria
Famed Islamic televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik, who is now banned from his native India and a host of other countries for 'extremist' views, is now visiting Nigeria.
He was invited to give a lecture tour in the country by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar.
Naik has infuriated Nigerian Christians by repeatedly labelling everything and everyone in the country as 'Muslim', such as the "Muslim Immigration" system, and the "Muslim Airforce", and referring to the Sultan as the head of state, as though Nigeria were an Islamic sultanate.
In reality, almost half of Nigerians are Christians and many have taken to social media to complain once again about "creeping Islamization" in the country.
Famed Islamic televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik, who is now banned from his native India and a host of other countries for 'extremist' views, is now visiting Nigeria.
He was invited to give a lecture tour in the country by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar.
Naik has infuriated Nigerian Christians by repeatedly labelling everything and everyone in the country as 'Muslim', such as the "Muslim Immigration" system, and the "Muslim Airforce", and referring to the Sultan as the head of state, as though Nigeria were an Islamic sultanate.
In reality, almost half of Nigerians are Christians and many have taken to social media to complain once again about "creeping Islamization" in the country.
🇺🇸🇳🇪🇬🇦🇨🇫🇺🇬 US to remove Niger, other African countries from AGOA
The Biden administration is set to remove Niger, Gabon, the Central African Republic and Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferential trade system starting from January 2024.
The AGOA allows eligible African countries duty-free access to export to the US in certain sectors, such as textiles.
AGOA exports from Niger to the US were worth $73m in 2022.
Niger, Gabon and the CAR are being expelled from the system for recently adopting anti-western authoritarian governments. Uganda is being expelled for its policies against homosexuality.
The Biden administration is set to remove Niger, Gabon, the Central African Republic and Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferential trade system starting from January 2024.
The AGOA allows eligible African countries duty-free access to export to the US in certain sectors, such as textiles.
AGOA exports from Niger to the US were worth $73m in 2022.
Niger, Gabon and the CAR are being expelled from the system for recently adopting anti-western authoritarian governments. Uganda is being expelled for its policies against homosexuality.
African Business
Biden backs reauthorisation of AGOA trade scheme
President Biden has strongly backed renewal of the AGOA scheme, which gives many sub-Saharan African countries preferential trade status with the US.
Forwarded from /CIG/ Telegram | Counter Intelligence Global (FRANCISCVS)
🇲🇱 🏴☠️ 🏴 The current situation in Mali is complex.
🔶️ "The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Wagner have been struggling against the growing AQIM and JNIM insurgency."
🔶️ "Recently, Azawad separatists (MLNA) renewed their fight for independence against the government, capturing several FAMa bases."
🔶️ "MINUSMA (UN) forces are exiting Mali upon the government's demand. FAMa and Wagner, departing from Gao, headed north in multiple convoys into MLNA-operated areas in order to secure the UN bases. The MLNA have employed hit-and-run tactics, halting the convoys at Anefis."
🔶️ "The UN has completed their departure from Aguelhok and Tessalit. Having successfully delayed and blocked the Army from advancing north, the MLNA have taken control of the former UN bases and surrounding towns."
🔶️ "The UN has commenced the process of departing from their base in Kidal, which is currently under the control of the MLNA and serves as the movement's capital."
📎 War Mapper
🔶️ "The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Wagner have been struggling against the growing AQIM and JNIM insurgency."
🔶️ "Recently, Azawad separatists (MLNA) renewed their fight for independence against the government, capturing several FAMa bases."
🔶️ "MINUSMA (UN) forces are exiting Mali upon the government's demand. FAMa and Wagner, departing from Gao, headed north in multiple convoys into MLNA-operated areas in order to secure the UN bases. The MLNA have employed hit-and-run tactics, halting the convoys at Anefis."
🔶️ "The UN has completed their departure from Aguelhok and Tessalit. Having successfully delayed and blocked the Army from advancing north, the MLNA have taken control of the former UN bases and surrounding towns."
🔶️ "The UN has commenced the process of departing from their base in Kidal, which is currently under the control of the MLNA and serves as the movement's capital."
📎 War Mapper
🇳🇪 National Director for Niger of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), M. Rafa, has been arrested by Nigérien junta authorities.
🇳🇬 Students storm EFCC office in Ibadan after 72 arrested without warrant
Students from Obafemi Awolowo University in southwest Nigeria stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Ibadan, protesting the arrest of classmates by the anti-graft agency.
72 university students were detained without reason during a midnight raid of their residences, and their phones were confiscated.
The university administration has noted that the EFCC has not communicated any criminal accusations against its students, nor given a reason for the raid.
Students from Obafemi Awolowo University in southwest Nigeria stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Ibadan, protesting the arrest of classmates by the anti-graft agency.
72 university students were detained without reason during a midnight raid of their residences, and their phones were confiscated.
The university administration has noted that the EFCC has not communicated any criminal accusations against its students, nor given a reason for the raid.
Forwarded from War Noir
#BurkinaFaso (#Sahel) 🇧🇫: #ISIS militants carried out an attack on Al-Qaeda (#JNIM) militants in Kalamba, Kaya.
As a result ISIS militants captured Serbian Zastava M05E1 rifles, RPG-7 Launcher, Bulgarian PG-7V rocket, Chinese Type 56(-1/-2) rifles, Zastava M70AB2 rifle etc...
https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1720091173589807568
As a result ISIS militants captured Serbian Zastava M05E1 rifles, RPG-7 Launcher, Bulgarian PG-7V rocket, Chinese Type 56(-1/-2) rifles, Zastava M70AB2 rifle etc...
https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1720091173589807568
🇲🇱 Drone strikes in Kidal
Last night in Kidal, drones launched by the Malian Armed Forces and Wagner Group struck targets at the ex-MINUSMA base recently occupied by the Tuareg separatist CSP.
Casualties are currently unknown.
This may be the beginning of the Malian junta's announced 'grand offensive' to retake the north of the country.
- Wamaps
Last night in Kidal, drones launched by the Malian Armed Forces and Wagner Group struck targets at the ex-MINUSMA base recently occupied by the Tuareg separatist CSP.
Casualties are currently unknown.
This may be the beginning of the Malian junta's announced 'grand offensive' to retake the north of the country.
- Wamaps