Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso say they are preparing to reveal the names of senior Nigerian politicians alleged to be supporting bandit groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West region. According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, officials of the security agencies disclosed that they are already in possession of the names of some politicians suspected of providing assistance to the criminal gangs. They added that some individuals involved in supplying arms to the bandits had been arrested and investigations were underway. According to the agencies, the move forms part…
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Despite ECOWAS exit, Nigeria invites Burkina Faso, Niger to summit
Nigeria has extended invitations to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali to attend the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, despite their recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced. At a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Tuggar stressed that the decision of these countries to leave ECOWAS does not diminish their role as key partners in the region’s economic development. He explained that invitations were personally delivered by special envoys sent under the directive of the Nigerian President.…
Read MoreNiger, Mali, Burkina Faso officially exit ECOWAS
The three military-led West African nations – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS). The regional bloc disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday. This brings to an end a year-long attempt by ECOWAS to convince the countries to reconsider leaving the bloc. The Commission, however, said it intends to “keep its door open” if any of the countries want to return to its fold. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early…
Read MoreBurkina Faso, Mali, Niger form new confederation after exiting ECOWAS
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republics have finalised plans to form a new confederation, the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States, marking a geo-political shift in the region. The announcement was made following a meeting of the three nations foreign ministers in Nigers capital, Niamey, on Friday, as reported by AFP. This move according to observers, showed their departure from their former colonial ruler, France, and a turn towards closer relations with Russia. Nigers Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangare, confirmed the finalisation of the draft text that outlines the institutionalisation…
Read More‘Killers of Nigerians in Burkina Faso will be punished’ Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso is engaging with the Burkinabe authorities to make sure that the killers of the 16 Nigerians in the country are appropriately sanctioned. Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu disclosed this in a statement on Monday. 16 members of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria who were on a pilgrimage to the home country of their leader, Sheikhul-islam Ibrahim Niasse, in Senegal were stopped and shot dead by Burkinabe soldiers on patrol. According to the National…
Read MoreBurkina Faso army captain announces overthrow of military government
A Burkina Faso army Captain, Ibrahim Traore, has ousted military leader Paul-Henri Damiba and dissolved the government and suspended the constitution and transitional charter, he said in a statement read on national television yesterday evening. Traore said a group of officers had decided to remove Damiba due to his inability to deal with a worsening Islamist insurgency. He announced that borders were closed indefinitely and that all political and civil society activities were suspended. It is the second takeover in eight months for the West African State. Damiba took power…
Read MoreBurkina Faso President Roch Kabore arrested and detained by mutinous soldiers
Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore has been detained at a military camp by mutinying soldiers. Reports of his detention, on Monday, came a day after soldiers staged mutinies at several army barracks, prompting fears of a coup in the conflict-hit country. Later on Sunday, heavy gunfire was also heard near Kabores residence in the capital, Ouagadougou. It was gathered that the soldiers have been demanding for more support in their fight against Islamist militants. Aljazeera reported that several armoured vehicles of the presidential fleet, riddled with bullets, were seen near…
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