Benin

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Security

Military & 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

Burkina Faso

An attack by armed assailants on a police station in Benin near the border with Burkina Faso killed one officer and injured another, AFP reported Feb. 9. 

Benin: Armed Assault Targets Police Station Near Burkina Faso Border

Cameroon

United States

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Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will host a regional security summit beginning May 14 in the country's capital of Abuja, This Day Live reported May 10. 

Nigeria: President Will Host Upcoming Regional Security Summit

Military

With official results in Benin's presidential election set to be announced March 21, the country's outgoing prime minister, Lionel Zinsou, has acknowledged losing to businessman Patrice Talon, Africa News reported March 21

Benin: Businessman Set To Win Presidency

Politics

Voters in Benin cast ballots March 20 in a runoff presidential election, Reuters reported.

Benin: Runoff Presidential Election Begins

Benin's general elections opened March 6, with 33 candidates competing to become president, BBC reported.

Benin: General Elections Begin

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After two weeks of negotiations, representatives of nearly 200 countries have approved the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the extent of climate change in the coming decades, The Telegraph reported Dec. 12.

France: Delegates Approve Paris Climate Change Deal

Economics and Finance

Energy

At a June 11 meeting of Lake Chad nations, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari rejected a plan to rotate leadership of joint operations against Boko Haram on a six-month basis between Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, Premium Times reported.

Nigeria: President Rejects Shared Command Against Boko Haram

Terrorism and Security

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?

Tunisia

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

Economics

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

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

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

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

Benin: Armed Assault Targets Police Station Near Burkina Faso Border

Nigeria: President Will Host Upcoming Regional Security Summit

Benin: Businessman Set To Win Presidency

Benin: Runoff Presidential Election Begins

Benin: General Elections Begin

France: Delegates Approve Paris Climate Change Deal

Nigeria: President Rejects Shared Command Against Boko Haram

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