Author: M Barbu

North Macedonia’s Democratic Resilience Deserves Proper Recognition

Western discussion of the country and the Western Balkans too often focuses on stereotypes about ethnic violence and intolerance – obscuring the real achievements.

Western coverage of Balkan politics too often focuses on the region’s challenges. Often this discussion is tied up with stereotypes about intolerance or violence. These stereotypes have been called “Balkanist” by a number of regional scholars. Discussion of the region in these terms obscures its successes.

Arms trafficking from Libya to Niger is back; Nigeria, others should be concerned

Countries in the Sahel need to collaborate to stem the tide of weapons flowing through Niger.

Arms and ammunition seizures by security forces in Niger’s Agadez and Tahoua regions between January 2021 and February 2022 helped dismantle trafficking networks in the country. This is positive, but what do the seizures say about the extent of the problem? Is arms trafficking from Libya to countries in the south on the rise again?

Anti-U.N. Protests in Congo Leave 15 Dead, Including 3 Peacekeepers

Demonstrators have accused international forces of failing to deter armed groups responsible for a wave of deadly attacks.

At least 15 people, including three U.N. peacekeepers, have been killed and 60 others injured in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in an escalation of dayslong protests against the United Nations in a mineral-rich region that has been ravaged by incessant deadly violence.

Shadowy Al-Qaeda Fighters Heap Pressure On Mali’s Junta

Al-Qaeda jihadists are tightening the screws on Mali’s military junta, extending their attacks to the south of the country and hitting a key garrison town on the outskirts of the capital.

Raids last week displayed coordination and operational complexity at a range that is unprecedented in the country’s decade-long jihadist campaign, say analysts.

France could deliver drones to help Benin battle militants

France could deliver drones and more sophisticated weapons to Benin to help it tackle a worsening Islamist insurgency that is threatening the region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.

Macron made the pledge during a joint press conference with Benin’s President Patrice Talon on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau.