Niger’s night of fire: inside the audacious assault on Niamey’s airport
Niamey, Niger In the early hours of 29 January, the quiet outskirts of Niger’s capital erupted in gunfire and explosions as armed militants launched a bold raid on Diori Hamani International airport and the adjacent Air Base 101. What unfolded over roughly 30 minutes was not only a fierce firefight but a grim reminder of…
Nigeria and Turkey sign nine agreements to boost trade and security
Nigeria and Turkey have signed nine bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing economic ties and cooperation in defence, education and other sectors, during a state visit by Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, to Ankara. The deals, inked on 27 January, include pacts on military cooperation, higher education and diaspora policy, as the two countries target an annual…
Benin’s ambitious plan to build 12 administrative cities nears key milestones
A major infrastructure project is transforming how government services are delivered in the Republic of Benin. Currently, construction is advancing on 12 administrative cities, one in each of the country’s departments, aimed at centralising public offices and boosting administrative efficiency. The initiative features modern buildings designed with sustainable materials, such as rammed earth, to house…
Foiled coup plot in Nigeria: inside the alleged bid to overthrow President Tinubu
In late 2025, Nigerian security forces thwarted what authorities described as a serious attempt by a group of military officers to overthrow the Bola Tinubu-led government. The plot, uncovered through intelligence operations, involved plans for assassinations and a violent takeover, posing one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s democracy since the return to civilian…
Is Nigeria’s tax reform a tax trap?
Nigeria’s ambitious tax reforms, enacted through four key acts signed into law in June 2025 and effective from January this year, represent the most significant overhaul of the country’s fiscal system in decades. The Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act aim to streamline…
Securing the suplly chain: Niger nationalises key import and logistics company, NITRA
Niger’s military-led government has nationalised the Niger-Transit Company (NITRA), a vital logistics operator, as part of efforts to assert greater control over the country’s infrastructure. The decision, announced following a Council of Ministers meeting on 23 January 2026, underscores the junta’s drive towards economic independence amidst ongoing reforms. Chaired by the country’s military ruler, General…
Nigeria confirms foiled military coup, exposing dangerous fault lines
Lagos, Nigeria In a rare admission that exposes a worrying fracture within Nigeria’s political space, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that a group of military officers plotted to overthrow the Bola Tinubu government. The revelation, made public on 26 January, follows months of speculation and initial denials, highlighting ongoing tensions within the armed forces…
The Sahel’s resource revolt: Niger’s push for fair value in the global uranium game
Niamey, Niger The government of Niger recently established a committee of experts to review the mechanisms for setting uranium prices, aiming to ensure they reflect the resource’s true market value and safeguard national interests. The panel was installed on 19 January in the capital, Niamey, under the oversight of Justice Minister Alio Daouda. Its mandate…
Cote d’Ivoire’s post-election reshuffle: Ouattara’s new cabinet fuels talk of family succession
Cote d’Ivoire’s president, Alassane Ouattara, has unveiled a new government, appointing his younger brother, Téné Birahima Ouattara, to the newly created position of vice prime minister while retaining him as minister of defence. This comes as speculations grow over long-term succession plans by the aging leader. The 34-member cabinet, announced on 23 January by the…
Defending sovereignty or silencing press? The ban on Jeune Afrique in Mali
Bamako, Mali Mali’s transitional government has issued a decree prohibiting the circulation, distribution and sale of Jeune Afrique, a Paris-based magazine focused on African affairs. The decision, dated 16 January 2026 and signed by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, cites concerns over the publication’s reporting on the country’s fuel shortages and security situation. Decree No….
