During the second version of the Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia, last month, it was all too evident that the attendance of only 17 African state leaders was significantly lower than the inaugural summit in 2019. While this may indicate that most African nations do not support Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, it is still important to consider current events in Africa, such as the ongoing situation in Niger, in relation to Russia’s objectives on the African continent. Especially with the United States (US) already seeing a “narrow” window of opportunity to reverse the military takeover in Niger.

One could contend that ongoing events can be interpreted as a strategic maneuver by Russia to redirect the conflict with the European Union (EU), specifically France, from Ukraine to the Western Africa region. Throughout history, this region has been widely acknowledged as one of France’s most crucial strongholds, where its unwavering influence has been steadfastly maintained for numerous decades. Nevertheless, considering the political upheavals witnessed in both Mali and Burkina Faso, resulting in the establishment of pro-Russian and anti-Western governments, the ongoing rebellion in Niger represents yet another significant event that has the potential to bolster Russian influence in Africa. While it is not unusual for western African nations to experience coups, the recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the ongoing coup in Niger exhibit a shared characteristic in the new regimes’ alignment with Russia. The latter is evident from the ongoing protests in these nations, where the Russian flag is proudly displayed, along with the growing influence of Russia’s Wagner Group in these territories.

In recent years, Russia has sought strategic partnerships with African nations, including Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa. While the extent and motivations behind Russia’s engagement in each African country differ, one can observe certain patterns in its approach. These patterns include diplomatic and economic initiatives, military cooperation, and resource-related interests. Russia has undertaken diplomatic efforts to increase engagement in Africa, often involving high-level visits and deepening economic cooperation. In Niger, for instance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited in 2021 to consolidate bilateral relations. Agreements were reached on various cooperation areas, such as energy, mining, and defense. Russia perceives Africa as an area where it can diminish Western influence by leveraging historical ties and fostering alliances with African nations. By solidifying partnerships with countries like Niger, Russia is likely to undermine Western-backed initiatives and projects, such as economic aid and military cooperation. This approach allows Russia to challenge the hegemony of the West and increase its own sphere of influence on the global stage.

Russia’s interest in Niger also highlights its interest in the country’s abundant natural resources, such as uranium and other minerals. These resources are vital for various sectors, including energy production and defense. Russia’s pursuit of resource extraction and trade partnerships raises eyebrows in the international community, as it could potentially upset Western dominance in these regions. Africa’s vast natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas reserves, undoubtedly provide attractive economic opportunities for Russia. In light of Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its actions in Ukraine, Moscow seeks alternative avenues for economic growth. Expanding its presence in Africa enables Russia to tap into these resources and develop trade partnerships outside the Western sphere of influence. Furthermore, Russia’s increasing influence in Africa allows it to indirectly pressure the West. For instance, Niger’s coup took place only a week ago, yet the leaders of the coup in Niger announced the suspension of uranium exports to France, which is a significant blow to the country, which relies on uranium to a large extent for electricity generation. Niger’s uranium covers about 17 percent of French needs, and its nuclear plants generate more than 70 percent of the country’s electricity. Ongoing developments in Niger not only invite anti-Western nations like Russia to exercise influence in west Africa but also allow NATO member states that have opposing views to France to take advantage. For example, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyib Erdogan, has recently indicated that Niger’s suspension of uranium exports to France is a response to years of France’s oppression. In the same vein, amid tensions between France and Italy over migrant policy, in a 2019 interview with right-wing politician Giorgia Meloni, now Italy’s Prime Minister, slammed France for using “colonial currency” to exploit Africa’s valuable resources.

The coup in Niger, accompanied by the regional instability it brings, also jeopardizes Nigeria’s plans for the development of a 13 billion USD gas pipeline that would allow for the export of gas from Nigeria to the EU. Provided the project is successful, the EU would benefit from a decreased reliance on Russian gas, thus clearly indicating why it is in the best interest of Russia that such a project does not reach fruition. In addition to economic factors, Russia’s involvement in West African nations will allow it to build a rapidly moving security force block in the region. Even though most African nations signed military agreements with Russia, Russia’s Wagner group already maintains a strong and active presence in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, and Mali, all of which are in close geographical proximity to Niger. Therefore, allowing Russia to effectively enter the battlefield in Niger via the Wagner Group. That said, the political chaos in Niger only erupted a week ago, and Niger’s military junta is actively seeking help from Wagner Group in facing the threat of military intervention from neighboring countries supported by the international community. More interesting is that Mali, where Wagner Group has a strong foothold, has voiced its full support for Niger’s rebels. Similarly, Burkina Faso has joined voices with Mali and claimed that any intervention in Niger would be a declaration of war on Mali and Burkina Faso. In light of Russia’s increasing influence in west Africa, it is worth noting that Burkina Faso itself had a coup in January 2022 and since then has requested France to fully withdraw its troops while hailing Russia as a strategic ally, thus increasing speculations about Russian presence and influence. In the same vein, Algeria, known for its strong loyalty to Russia, announced its opposition to any intervention in Niger.

Regardless of the Wagner Group’s short-term motives to support Niger’s rebels, the long-term gain for Russia would be the full and active presence of a proxy military force in Niger, allowing Russia to maintain an almost full west-to-east African presence and thus challenging the US-EU strategic interests in Africa. The group mainly operates as a mercenary force, deploying highly trained and well-equipped individuals to support Russian geopolitical interests. Their main activities include combat operations, training local forces, and securing economic assets for Russia’s interests. However, unlike regular military forces, private military contractors like the Wagner Group enjoy limited accountability. Such a lack of oversight can escalate conflicts and human rights abuses, further destabilizing fragile states while at the same time allowing Russia to reach its regional objective faster compared to the use of official military force. This was very noticeable in the Wagner Group’s advances in Russia’s war on Ukraine as well as the group’s tactical movements in African countries.

Despite Russia’s geopolitical interests in Niger and how the coup may empower Russia’s position in west Africa, the situation presents the international community with a set of security risks, including terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and a struggling economy that will likely have a spillover effect on the Sahel region. Yet the involvement of the Wagner Group in Niger could exacerbate these issues, posing a substantial threat to African nations’ regional stability, which may hence be part of the tactics employed to diminish the US and EU security roles in the region. Niger serves as a crucial player in the fight against terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa. The presence of the Wagner Group could complicate regional dynamics, potentially drawing the country into proxy conflicts, increasing the risk of violence, and posing a significant challenge to ongoing counterterrorism efforts. In addition to France’s military withdrawal from Mali and Burkina Faso, international alliances and collaborations forged to combat terrorism, including the US counterterrorism efforts in Africa, may be disrupted or suspended, leading to a decline in military and intelligence support. This scenario creates an opportunity for extremist and terrorist groups to consolidate their presence in Niger and launch cross-border attacks on neighboring countries, further exacerbating regional security concerns. Furthermore, should Wagner Group become effectively involved in Niger, this will undoubtedly have severe security implications affecting both the nation and the wider region. The Group’s involvement in Niger could lead to increased arms trafficking, rendering the region vulnerable to enhanced violence, instability, and arms proliferation by extremist groups that may operate across Africa or even cross-continental. The latter possibly explains why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to send military vehicles and security equipment to Chad to support counterterrorism efforts in light of the ongoing escalations in Niger.

Furthermore, the geopolitical stance of Iran with regards to Niger remains a subject of careful consideration. In this regard, it is highly probable that Iran will seek to exploit the prevailing political unrest in West Africa, aligning itself with anti-US and anti-Western factions and militias operating within the region. Reports show that there is an ongoing row between France’s presidency and the country’s intelligence agency on accusations related to the failure to predict the coup. Despite all that said, what is more surprising is that earlier this year, in an attempt to counter the Russian and Chinese influence in Africa, France pledged to reduce its military presence in Africa and transform French bases into partnerships with African soldiers. Yet, it appears that France’s strategy yielded the full opposite and served to trigger Russia’s power plays in Africa rather than counter them.

Although it may be premature to assert that Russia is shifting its conflict with the United States and the European Union from Ukraine to Africa, the situation in Niger undeniably presents a compelling rationale. In light of Africa’s growing significance in the global arena, it is crucial for international stakeholders to closely observe Russia’s endeavors and actively participate in constructive discourse to safeguard stability in Africa. Russia’s strategic endeavors in Africa extend beyond the mere objective of supplanting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Instead, it exemplifies a comprehensive approach to pursuing economic opportunities, securing access to valuable natural resources, and augmenting geopolitical influence. Its involvement in Africa transcends the mere displacement of tensions from one region to another. The deployment of the Wagner Group as a proxy in Niger presents an enormous risk for the stability and security of the region, potentially resulting in the re-emergence of terrorist organizations. Regarding this matter, the coup and subsequent destabilization in Niger will undeniably have substantial spillover ramifications, affecting not solely Niger but also the entire Sahel region. The ramifications encompass a wide spectrum of political consequences, spanning from compromised national security to economic setbacks, a humanitarian crisis, and strained regional relations that are likely to escalate into armed conflicts on multiple fronts. Although very complex, it is imperative for international actors and African countries to try to engage in constructive dialogue and restore stability in West Africa.

[geopoliticalmonitor.com]

Real Madrid Eyes Goalkeeper Transfer to Mitigate Courtois’s Absence

Real Madrid, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, is gearing up to make a significant move in the transfer market as they seek to bolster their squad by bringing in a new goalkeeper. The Spanish giants are strategically looking to cover the anticipated absence of their star shot-stopper, Thibaut Courtois. This development has been confirmed by reliable sources, including renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

In-Depth Analysis:

The news of Real Madrid’s intent to secure a new goalkeeper has sent ripples through the football community. Thibaut Courtois, a pivotal figure in the team’s defensive setup, is expected to be sidelined due to various circumstances. To ensure the stability and competitiveness of the squad, Real Madrid’s management has taken a proactive approach to identify and acquire a suitable replacement.

While Courtois’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void, Real Madrid’s determination to maintain their position as a football powerhouse remains unshaken. The club’s track record of success, both domestically and on the international stage, demands that they have a contingency plan in place for such situations.

Strategic Move:

Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper is not merely a reactionary measure but rather a calculated move to sustain their performance levels. The club’s management, known for their astute decision-making, is expected to evaluate potential candidates meticulously before finalizing any deal. The chosen goalkeeper will not only need to possess exceptional skills and reflexes but also integrate seamlessly into the team’s tactical approach.

Source Confirmation:

The credibility of this news is reinforced by the confirmation from Fabrizio Romano, a trusted insider in the football transfer market. Romano’s accurate track record of reporting such developments adds weight to the information. Real Madrid fans and football enthusiasts can rest assured that the pursuit of a new goalkeeper is grounded in authentic sources.

As Real Madrid prepares to enter the transfer market in search of a new goalkeeper, the football world watches with keen interest. The club’s commitment to upholding their legacy and maintaining their competitive edge is evident in their proactive approach to the situation. With Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation lending credence to the news, fans can anticipate an exciting period of speculation and anticipation as Real Madrid works towards securing a capable replacement to cover Courtois’s absence.

[allmedia24]

James was sent off in the last-16 Women’s World Cup tie after stamping on the back of Nigeria forward Michelle Alozie.

The red card meant the 21-year-old was automatically suspended for one game, but that has been increased to two matches.

It means the Chelsea forward would miss the semi-finals if England beat Colombia on Saturday - but she would be back for the final or third-placed play-off.

The news is a huge boost to the Lionesses as James has been one of their best players at this tournament, scoring three goals and laying on the same number of assists.

“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” James tweeted after her red card.

“Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”

[standard]

Another day, another impressive Yard Sale collab.

This time the slice specialists have teamed up with Chuku’s – the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant – to create a limited edition ‘Lagos Heat’ pizza.

The Tottenham restaurant has used classic West African flavours with smoked lamb asun – using the spicy flavours of ginger, garlic, red onion, coriander and scotch bonnet – as well as sweet fried plantain on top of the pizza. That all comes with a jollof stew base combined with Yard Sale’s own house tomato sauce, and then a smattering of fior di latte mozzarella to seal the delicious deal.

We are extremely ready.

Siblings Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick opened Chuku’s first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in 2020. ‘We’re always super excited to see the flavours of the much-celebrated jollof stew reach a wider audience,’ said Emeka of the pizza, which is available for takeaway, delivery and dine-in from August 16-30 at Yard Sale’s recently-opened Tottenham and Walthamstow locations only.

‘Coupled with sweet-tasting fried plantain, it is an iconic Nigerian flavour pairing. And our lamb asun adds that more-ish kick. We hope for those familiar with Nigerian food they’ll love our Nigerian spin on a pizza and for those new to Nigerian flavours, we hope that it’ll spark their curiosity to explore the cuisine even further.’

In a lovely turn of events, it transpires that Ifeyinwa used to work for Yard Sale. ‘Back in 2017 when Chuku’s was still a pop-up, I took a job at Yard Sale in 2017 to learn more about the hospitality industry. And I learnt a lot there about what good management looks like and how to create a positive work environment – things that I took forward into Chuku’s. At the time, I would tell my Yard Sale General Manager about the pop-up I was running and the dreams we had of opening our first permanent site.’

It’s been a good summer for Chuku’s, who were recently awarded an £8,000 grant from Beyoncé’s charity foundation BeyGOOD during her run of shows at nearby Tottenham Stadium. 

[timeout]

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday denounced the World Bank’s decision to suspend new funding in response to a harsh anti-LGBTQ law and vowed to find alternative sources of credit.

The World Bank said on Tuesday it would halt new lending to the Ugandan government after concluding that its anti-LGBTQ law contradicts the bank’s values.

The World Bank has an existing portfolio of $5.2 billion in Uganda, although these projects will not be affected.

Reacting to the World Bank threat, Museveni said in a statement that Uganda was trying to reduce its borrowing in any case and would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions.

“It is, therefore, unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money. They really underestimate all Africans,” he said.

Museveni said that if Uganda needed to borrow, it could do so from other sources, and that oil production expected to start by 2025 would provide additional revenues.

In June, the United States imposed visa restrictions on some Ugandan officials in response to the law. President Joe Biden also ordered a review of U.S. aid to Uganda.

Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem accused the bank of hypocrisy, saying they were lending to countries in the Middle East and Asia that have the same or harsher laws on homosexuality.

“The World Bank has been put under pressure by the usual imperialists.”

The World Bank had provided $5.4 billion in International Development Association financing to Uganda by the end of 2022, including many health and education projects that could be affected by the new law.

[NationalDaily]

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government;

Your Excellency, the President of the ECOWAS Commission;

Your Excellency, President of the African Union Commission;

Your Excellency, President of the UEMOA Commission;

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel; and

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. Let me commence by welcoming you all to the Second (2nd) Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, within the space of ten days. Your presence here, despite the short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our esteemed community to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

2. Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation. During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military take over and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger. Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation. One of the facilitators, former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would update us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.

4. Similarly, as part of a coherent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, particularly Libya and Algeria. During these engagements, the Envoy designated for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya. This discourse resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger. In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country. These initiatives are aimed at presenting a cohesive and united stance regarding the ongoing circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. Following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held from 2nd to 4thAugust, 2023. The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum by the President of the ECOWAS Commission on current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit. These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.

6. Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach. We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.

7. More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region. By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.

Esteemed Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. I am confident that this 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be a defining moment in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.

9. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that our deliberations will be productive and fruitful, leading us to find an amicable solution to the political crisis in Niger. As we continue to work together in solidarity and harmony, we can ensure a prosperous future for the entire West African region.

10. With these remarks, I hereby declare this Extraordinary Summit open.

Thank you all, for your attention.

West African heads of state discussed their response to last month's military takeover in Niger at closed-door talks in Nigeria on Thursday after the junta defied their earlier threat to use force to restore democracy.

The meeting is taking place hours after Niger's coup leaders named a new government, forcing their agenda before the summit.

Since the July 26 power grab, the junta has rebuffed diplomatic overtures and ignored an Aug. 6 deadline from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.

Mahamane Roufai Laouali, cited as "Secretary General of the Government", named 21 ministers on state television overnight without specifying any further government plans.

Three leaders of the military takeover were named ministers of defence, interior and sports.

Former Finance Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who had been named prime minister on Monday, was appointed finance minister for the new government. Niger's previous government had 43 ministers and none were military officers.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern about Bazoum and his family after his party reported that they were being detained at the presidential residence without electricity or running water, and had gone days without fresh food.

"The Secretary-General... once again calls for his immediate, unconditional release and his reinstatement as Head of State," a U.N. spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, could prove a pivotal moment in the standoff. The bloc's leaders are expected to agree on next steps, which could include military intervention - something an ECOWAS official has said would be a last resort.

MIXED FEELINGS

In nearby Senegal, where the government has said it could send troops if needed, people's views about a military intervention differed.

"As long as we act to restore peace I'm a supporter," Lansanna Diedhiou said near a weekly market in the capital Dakar. "The objective of the organization is ... to act together for the African family."

Others, like Cheikh Niang, were concerned about the impact on regional ties and solidarity.

"We're all Africans and Niger is part of the African continent," he said. "We can't send Africans to wage war against each other."

Envoys of the Nigerian president and ECOWAS chair Bola Tinubu met coup leaders in the capital, Niamey, on Wednesday, offering a glimmer of hope for dialogue after previous missions were spurned.

Any escalation would further destabilise West Africa's Sahel region, one of the world' poorest, where a long-running Islamist insurgency that spread from Mali has displaced millions over the past decade and stoked a hunger crisis.

Niger had recently fared better than its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso in stemming the violence. It also became an increasingly important Western ally for fighting insurgents after juntas seized power in the other two countries between 2020 and 2022 and cut ties with traditional partners.

DIFFERENT CONTEXTS

The coup was triggered by internal politics but it has evolved into an international entanglement, with ECOWAS, the United Nations and Western countries putting pressure on the junta to stand down, while military governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso have vowed to defend it.

In Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, resident Issouf Ouedraogo felt it made no sense for his country's new leaders to support the Niger coup because the contexts were different.

"Burkina was in a situation of degradation and acute insecurity," he said in reference to the frustrations that stoked two coups there last year.

"Niger, on the other hand, was in a stable situation," he noted.

The military takeover has raised questions over whether the United States can continue the 1,100-strong military presence in Niger that officials and analysts say has been key to fighting Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

A complicating factor could be any decision by Niger's coup leaders to follow Mali's footsteps and seek help from Russia's Wagner Group, which the U.S. has designated a transnational criminal organization. Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has welcomed the coup in Niger and said his forces were available to restore order.

Niger accused France on Wednesday of violating its airspace, attacking a military camp and freeing "terrorists" to undermine the country. Paris denied the charges.

[Reuters]

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee On Student Loans and Access To Higher Education is meeting with the National Universities Commission (NUC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), students’ representatives and other stakeholders over the proposed students loan scheme of the federal government.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had signed into law a bill to provide soft loans for students at tertiary institutions to undergo their studies.

In his opening address at the meeting, the committee chairman, Terser Ugbor, said they convened the Legislative Summit on Students Loans to gather more information from stakeholders in the education sector and other relevant bodies on the best approach and strategy to implement the Students Loans Scheme in Nigeria.

He added that the committee would present its report to the House for legislative action on the proposed amendments to the Students Loans Act.

He said, “For emphasis, students loan is an important aspect of modern education financing around the world. It creates access to education for students who would otherwise be unable to afford a higher education or unable to study professional courses needed for our scientific development, industrialization, technological advancement and economic growth.

“For students loans schemes to be successful, they must be easy to access, easy to repay and supported by flexible exit plans so as not to over burden our young citizens and stifle their development after graduation.”

[DailyTrust]