Part of “Precolonial West African political entities” series The historical trajectory of the Asante Empire, from late 17th to early 20th century, demonstrates a strategic example of precolonial political centralisation and economic complexity in West Africa. Its emergence was predicated on the control of a prosperous heartland in contemporary Ghana, whose fertility and immense…
Nigerièn leader, Abdourahmane Tiani, meets with Malian counterpart, Assimi Goïta in Bamako In the midst of security challenges and geopolitical realignments in the Sahel, Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, embarked on a whirlwind diplomatic tour to Mali and Burkina Faso on September 30. He arrived first in Bamako for a 24-hour official visit where…
West African leaders took to the podium to address global inequities and regional challenges at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was organised under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights. Leaders from both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the…
The three states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a bold shift towards regional autonomy. The decision, which was finalised during a meeting of justice ministers in Niamey this week, follows accusations against the ICC of…
Relations between Mali and France have been seriously strained with the French government’s announcement that it has expelled two Malian diplomats accused of espionage. The decision is in retaliation for the Malian government’s arrest of a French diplomat in Bamako on same charges in August. French authorities also suspended long-standing counter-terrorism cooperation with the Sahel…
A high-profile visit to Burkina Faso on September 16 by Sierra Leone’s president and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, has been described many regional political observers as a decisive diplomatic initiative. The visit was part of formal engagements with Burkinabe…
China’s victory day parade on September 3 revealed its huge military potential to the world. It sent a message of strength with the technological advancement it displayed, which many agree has likely surpassed whatever the West has in store. China’s rise has taken the world by storm. Its global reach has had a particularly impressive…
Experts from the finance and defence ministries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are meeting between August 27 and 29 in Abuja to strategise on the funding and operationalisation of a 5,000-strong ECOWAS Standby Force, aimed at combating the escalating tide of terrorism and insecurity across the region. The high-stakes gathering, hosted…
West Africa is confronting major floods this year as the rains have come with an unusual force across the region. In August, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced and homes destroyed in several countries, including Nigeria and Cape Verde. The disaster has been made worse by poor by Inadequate infrastructure, a changing climate, and…
A major diplomatic move was initiated between, Guinea and Mali as they concluded a bilateral agreement to enhance the free movement of people and goods, as well as strengthen security cooperation, effectively bypassing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The two-day high-level talks, held in Conakry on August 12 and 13, were led…
