Category: AF-100
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U.S. Troop Deployment to Nigeria
The United States is planning to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in operations against Islamist insurgents, primarily groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). What is your most up-to-date and in-depth assessment? AF-100, Africa Chief: Here’s a reality-based strategic assessment of the reported U.S. deployment of ~200 troops…
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Somaliland: Red Sea Power Struggle
Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state on December 26, 2025—the first such move by any UN member country—has indeed injected fresh momentum into the long-dormant Somaliland independence question. This development has intensified diplomatic friction across the Horn of Africa, while layering an overt Israel-Turkey rivalry onto an already complex web of…
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Benin Coup Foiled
On December 7, 2025, Benin experienced a short-lived coup attempt by a faction of mutinous soldiers who briefly seized the state television station in Cotonou, the country’s economic hub and de facto administrative capital. The plotters, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, declared President Patrice Talon overthrown, suspended the constitution, dissolved institutions, and closed borders.…
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EU Tightens Grip on Africa
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, made these remarks on November 24, 2025, during the EU-African Union (EU-AU) Summit held in Luanda, Angola. She said that “One third of Africa’s total trade is with Europe… We are building new infrastructure together to connect Africa and Europe,” and that European companies are providing…
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Trump, MBS Pivot to Sudan
November 19, 2025 (Today): During a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., Trump announced that his administration would “start working” on resolving Sudan’s war, prompted by a direct request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during their White House meeting the previous day. Trump described the conflict as something he initially viewed as…