Benin

Niger

Energy

Politics

Beninese President Patrice Talon confirmed that shipments of Nigerien oil would be prevented from departing the Beninese oil terminal of Seme until Niger reopened its border with Benin and reengaged in diplomatic dialogue, Radio France International reported May 8.

Benin, Niger: Benin Confirms Decision to Block Niger's Oil Exports Until Diplomatic Dialogue Resumes, Border Reopens 

Cote d'Ivoire

United States

Military & Security

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM, Michael Langley met with Beninese President Patrice Talon to discuss bilateral military cooperation, Radio France Internationale reported on May 2. 

Benin: AFRICOM Commander Visits Benin, Cote d’Ivoire as U.S. Seeks New Drone Bases in West Africa

China

Economics

Nigerien oil arrived at the Beninese oil terminal of Seme using the Niger-Benin pipeline on April 21, Africanews reported on April 24.

Niger, Benin: Oil Pipeline Begins Operations

Ghana

Germany

Italy

The United States agreed to withdraw troops from Niger and vacate its two military facilities in the country, AP reported on April 20.

Niger: U.S. To Withdraw Troops From Niger, Seek New Drone Base in West Africa

Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria's border with Niger would reopen immediately, Radio France Internationale reported on March 13.

Nigeria: Government Lifts Sanctions, Reopens Borders With Niger 

Burkina Faso

Cabo Verde

Gambia

Guinea Bissau

Liberia

Mali

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Togo

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally notified the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, of their intention to withdraw from the regional bloc, Jeune Afrique reported on Jan. 30.

Sahel: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Send Formal Notification of Exit From ECOWAS 

The United States is seeking to set up drone bases along the West African coast to counter the growth of al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, The Wall Street Journal reported on Jan. 3, citing U.S. and African officials. 

West Africa: U.S. Pursues Drone Bases Along West African Coast to Counter Islamist Progression

Chad

France

Security

The Jihadist Wars

The Suitors of Sub-Saharan Africa

France’s intelligence chief, Bernard Emie, said he believes al Qaeda leaders in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam Muslimeen (JNIM) and other affiliate groups met in central Mali to plan an expansion of their operations toward countries on the Gulf of Guinea, Le Figaro reported Feb. 1. 

West Africa: Al Qaeda Is Expanding Operations in Benin and Ivory Coast, Says French Intelligence Chief

Assessments

French soldiers of the Barkhane force patrol the streets of Timbuktu, Mali, on Dec. 5, 2021.

In the wake of Niger's coup, France will be compelled to revamp its security strategy in the Sahel and West Africa at large.

What the Niger Crisis Means for France's Counterterrorism Strategy in Africa

Protesters hold placards denouncing ECOWAS on Aug. 3, 2023, in Niamey, Niger. While an intervention probably would topple the Nigerien junta, it could cause a regional conflict, boost jihadists and lead to a weak Nigerian civilian regime.

While an intervention probably would topple the Nigerien junta, it could cause a regional conflict, boost jihadists and lead to a weak Nigerian civilian regime.

How Might an ECOWAS Military Intervention Take Shape in Niger?

Cameroon

Tunisia

Indonesia

French President Emmanuel Macron on Feb. 17, 2022, in Brussels.

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: Jokowi Visits Beijing, Macron Visits Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

Guinea

The Niger River Basin

Nigeria: Obstacles to Prosperity

Commodities: A Cautionary Tale

The region's natural geographic advantages have sustained several empires throughout history. But they can't overcome its longstanding problems. 

The Niger River Basin: Supporting West Africa's Empires 

Media

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Graphics

Paris Agreement Emphasizes Shift Away From Oil

The pace of the transition will be decided by how quickly new technologies reach the developing world.

Delegates attend a plenary session at the U.N. climate change summit in Paris on Dec. 9.

The agreement signed Dec. 12 in Paris is just a small part of a broader energy transition driven by technological change.

Climate Agreement Will Only Hasten Transition Beyond Oil

_Energy

Environmental Issues

Environment, Science & Technology

Burundi's Attempted Coup Offers Lessons

African leaders seeking controversial extra terms in office will need the full backing of their countries' militaries.

Burundi: What to Expect After the Coup Attempt

Political Misdirection in Nigeria

A presidential election has been delayed, but not for the reasons the government has given.

Nigeria Is at the Center of West Africa's Future Energy Plans

Abuja has access to the region's largest oil and natural gas reserves, but political obstacles have made it difficult to maximize its use of these resources.

Powering Africa's Economies: Prospects for Growth in Electricity Markets

Several significant power production projects are underway in Africa. In West Africa, however, national grids are poorly interconnected, limiting opportunities to optimize electricity distribution and trade.

Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa

France, Africa: Paris Struggles to Retain Colonial Ties

Despite strong efforts to maintain its historic bonds with its former colonies in Africa, France's position is far from guaranteed.

France Struggles to Retain Colonial Ties in Africa

Latest French Operations in Mali

French air assaults come as the jihadists break under the pressure of military operations.

SITUATION REPORTS

Benin, Niger: Benin Confirms Decision to Block Niger's Oil Exports Until Diplomatic Dialogue Resumes, Border Reopens

Benin: AFRICOM Commander Visits Benin, Cote d’Ivoire as U.S. Seeks New Drone Bases in West Africa

Niger, Benin: Oil Pipeline Begins Operations

Niger: U.S. To Withdraw Troops From Niger, Seek New Drone Base in West Africa

Nigeria: Government Lifts Sanctions, Reopens Borders With Niger

Sahel: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Send Formal Notification of Exit From ECOWAS

West Africa: U.S. Pursues Drone Bases Along West African Coast to Counter Islamist Progression

West Africa: Al Qaeda Is Expanding Operations in Benin and Ivory Coast, Says French Intelligence Chief

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