Niger’s Fragile Junta Under Russia’s Shadow: The Deepening Implications
By Ipole Amajama When General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in Niger in July 2023, ousting the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, he promised stability, sovereignty, and a renewed fight against terrorism. Three years later, those promises ring hollow. Instead, Niger finds itself increasingly dependent on Russia, torn by internal military divisions, and estranged from its […]
Opportunity or entrapment? What Nigeria’s youth must ask before flying to Russia
By Oumarou Sanou There is nothing wrong with urging Nigerian youth to look past Britain, America and Canada, or with Russia offering scholarships to African students. Young Nigerians deserve every legitimate route to education the world can offer. But there is everything wrong with dismissing documented security concerns as “propaganda” simply because the offer arrives […]
Russia’s War Machine Now Runs on Africa’s Betrayed Youth
By Ipole Amajama Moscow’s triumphant rhetoric about victory in Ukraine increasingly clashes with the grim reality on the battlefield. Behind the speeches lies a Russian army plagued by internal collapse, brutal punishments, and dwindling morale. As Russian soldiers refuse to fight, the Kremlin has turned its gaze outward, exploiting Africa’s youth through deceptive recruitment schemes. […]
Namibia, Tanzania Gamble with Russia: Promise or Mirage?
By Ipole AMAJAMA In April 2025, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev sat down in Windhoek to deepen a nuclear-energy partnership between Africa’s largest uranium producer and one of the world’s foremost nuclear powers. Months before, Tanzania had already taken its seat at Moscow’s table: The Russia–Tanzania Intergovernmental Commission, established […]
The worry about Russia’s propaganda aims in Africa
By Ipole AMAJAMA There is little fuss about the changing dynamics of geopolitics across the world. Powerful countries seek to exert their influence and might sometimes subtly or by use of force as seen in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, America and Israel against Iran stamp their imprints. But there is the unseen but significant pressure […]
Africa, salvation does not lie in Moscow
By Ipole Amajama The protesters were like scenes taken directly from the Kremlin’s playbook on Africa as they waved Russian flags in Kano, Abuja and some northern states in the End Bad Governance protests in Nigeria in 2024. On the surface, it was just some disgruntled citizens protesting against the Nigerian government. But in all […]
START Treaty: US and Russia teeter on brink of new arms race
The United States and Russia could embark on an unrestrained nuclear arms race for the first time since the Cold War, unless they reach an eleventh-hour deal before their last remaining arms control treaty expires in less than a week. The New START treaty is set to end on February 5. Without it, there would […]
Russia, Media Suppression and Instability in Africa
By Michael Amajama It is no longer a secret that countries around the world are taking steps to safeguard their sovereignty and peoples against disinformation from Russian intrusion. Though Russia argues against the obvious, its digital footprints are about and everywhere. Little wonder that its neighbours are particularly ramping up efforts to bring their citizens […]
Trump directs Pentagon to ‘immediately’ start testing US nuclear weapons
By: Davis Winkie and Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 29 that the United States will “immediately” resume nuclear weapons tests, a move he said is needed to ensure the country keeps up with its rival nuclear powers. In a Truth Social post, Trump touted progress made on nuclear weapons modernization during his first term. […]
Travelogue: A return to Russia
By: Wale Okediran I recently returned to Russia, the land of great writers, musicians and inventors after a seven-year break. On my first visit in 2018, almost everybody wanted to visit the country perhaps, to watch the 2018 World Cup which was adjudged as one of the best organized football fiesta in recent times. On that […]