Al-Shabaab, al Qaeda’s affiliate in East Africa, has made significant territorial gains in central Somalia since it launched its Shabelle offensive in February of 2025. Al-Shabaab has rapidly expanded its foothold, exploiting the Somali Armed
Libya Emerges as an Arena for U.S.-Russia Competition
The fall of Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi in 2011 left Libya divided between two rival administrations, opening the country to interference by major powers seeking geopolitical advantage. Fourteen years after Qadhafi’s collapse, big power rivalry
Russia, African Juntas Blast Ukraine As They Deepen Ties
Russia and a group of west African countries led by military juntas hailed growing military ties at a summit in Moscow on Thursday, with some condemning Ukraine as a “terrorist” state. Facing isolation in the
Over 600 SPLA-IO fighters defect to SSPDF
More than 600 soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), one of the defectors has said. The group, led by Brigadier General Gabriel
UN Rights Chief Says ‘Appalled’ By Reports Of Khartoum Executions
UN rights chief Volker Turk said Thursday that he was “appalled” by reports of extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan’s capital Khartoum last week after its recapture by the army from the paramilitary Rapid Support
RSF deputy leader threatens to invade northern Sudan states
The deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Rahim Hamdan Daglo, threatened on Wednesday to invade two northern states after his paramilitary group suffered significant battlefield setbacks, according to a video statement. The
Livestock Theft Is Central To Jihadist Economy In West Africa
Musa was asleep in the village of Dusuman in northeast Nigeria when he was awoken by a sharp burst of gunfire and Boko Haram stole his main source of livelihood — his livestock. “They came
Starvation threatens Sudan’s El Fasher as RSF siege cuts supplies
The humanitarian situation in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, has deteriorated sharply amid severe food shortages, residents and aid workers said. This has prompted activists to call for emergency airdrops to
Congo rebels leave strategic town ahead of planned Doha talks
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have withdrawn from the strategic town of Walikale, describing the move as a goodwill gesture ahead of planned peace talks with the government next week. M23
Counterterrorism Shortcomings In The Sahel Revealed As Insurgencies Rage
Experts are alarmed at growing violence in the Sahel and the possibility of extremist groups consolidating gains to form a terror state. Last year, Burkina Faso was the country most affected by terrorism worldwide, according