Forwarded from Africa Intel
🌍 The "Coup belt" of Africa
With recent events in Niger and in Sudan, it is time to talk a little about the region that has got quite a peculiar name: the "Coup belt."
This region, that includes a large portion of the Sahel region, cuts clear across the continent dividing the Northern Africans from the Sub-Saharan Africans. There is a vast abundance of resources including labor, oil, uranium and mineral deposits. It has the highest concentration of western bases on the continent with tiny Djibouti hosting many foreign nations.
This region holds high strategic value in terms of resources and its position to influence both North and Sub-Saharan Africas.
🔻Why is it called like this?
For obvious reason — a lot of coups. In fact, in recent 5 years there have been around 10 coup d'état attempts! Some were successful, some were not, but the fact remains.
But why is so? The reasons are many, but one of the main is the struggles between tribes. The countries in Sahel region (and overall in Africa) are heterogeneous in their populations. Many tribes compete and negotiate with each other for power and control over the country. When the negotiations fail coup take place.
And the coup organizers use anti-French and anti-colonial slogans to attract ordinary poor population, who just want a better life, and they do not like France for colonial reasons. So they would welcome any change (especially if it is anti-French in terms of narrative) that they think will make a difference.
High-res
#Africa #Sahel #Map
@africaintel
With recent events in Niger and in Sudan, it is time to talk a little about the region that has got quite a peculiar name: the "Coup belt."
This region, that includes a large portion of the Sahel region, cuts clear across the continent dividing the Northern Africans from the Sub-Saharan Africans. There is a vast abundance of resources including labor, oil, uranium and mineral deposits. It has the highest concentration of western bases on the continent with tiny Djibouti hosting many foreign nations.
This region holds high strategic value in terms of resources and its position to influence both North and Sub-Saharan Africas.
🔻Why is it called like this?
For obvious reason — a lot of coups. In fact, in recent 5 years there have been around 10 coup d'état attempts! Some were successful, some were not, but the fact remains.
But why is so? The reasons are many, but one of the main is the struggles between tribes. The countries in Sahel region (and overall in Africa) are heterogeneous in their populations. Many tribes compete and negotiate with each other for power and control over the country. When the negotiations fail coup take place.
And the coup organizers use anti-French and anti-colonial slogans to attract ordinary poor population, who just want a better life, and they do not like France for colonial reasons. So they would welcome any change (especially if it is anti-French in terms of narrative) that they think will make a difference.
High-res
#Africa #Sahel #Map
@africaintel
Forwarded from Rybar in English
🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪 What is happening in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger?
Situation for December 25, 2023 - January 16, 2024
Recently, radical Islamists have regained attention after the defeat of the Tuaregs in northern Mali. Clashes between militants from local branches of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda and government forces are ongoing in the region.
Full-fledged coordinated actions and the formation of a united front against terrorists in the Sahel are still a long way off, so each side sporadically responds to militant attacks, attempting to minimize the damage.
The authorities of Burkina Faso are increasingly utilizing UAVs, acquiring Chinese weapons, and have also started organizing specially trained rapid response units.
The Mali Armed Forces, with support from the Wagner PMC, have strengthened their positions in the northeastern part of the country, enabling them to transition to clearing pockets of resistance in strategic directions.
Meanwhile, the military government of Niger and the ECOWAS countries (who seem to have already forgotten about the threats of military invasion) have begun making concessions to each other during negotiations. As a result, the government of Benin has lifted the ban on the transit of goods into the country.
Furthermore, yesterday, Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zein of Niger visited Moscow for negotiations on the development of economic and military ties between the countries.
🔻 Read more about the situation in Mali , Burkina Faso and Niger on our website
Map of Mali
Burkina Faso Map
Niger map
#Africa #Sahel #Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #map
@rybar
Support us Original msg
Situation for December 25, 2023 - January 16, 2024
Recently, radical Islamists have regained attention after the defeat of the Tuaregs in northern Mali. Clashes between militants from local branches of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda and government forces are ongoing in the region.
Full-fledged coordinated actions and the formation of a united front against terrorists in the Sahel are still a long way off, so each side sporadically responds to militant attacks, attempting to minimize the damage.
The authorities of Burkina Faso are increasingly utilizing UAVs, acquiring Chinese weapons, and have also started organizing specially trained rapid response units.
The Mali Armed Forces, with support from the Wagner PMC, have strengthened their positions in the northeastern part of the country, enabling them to transition to clearing pockets of resistance in strategic directions.
Meanwhile, the military government of Niger and the ECOWAS countries (who seem to have already forgotten about the threats of military invasion) have begun making concessions to each other during negotiations. As a result, the government of Benin has lifted the ban on the transit of goods into the country.
Furthermore, yesterday, Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zein of Niger visited Moscow for negotiations on the development of economic and military ties between the countries.
🔻 Read more about the situation in Mali , Burkina Faso and Niger on our website
Map of Mali
Burkina Faso Map
Niger map
#Africa #Sahel #Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #map
@rybar
Support us Original msg
Forwarded from Rybar in English
🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪 What's happening in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger?
Situation for March 1 - 18, 2024
Seven months after establishing the Sahel Alliance, member states decided to create a joint force to counter the terrorists affecting the region.
In Mali, militants, following defeats in the north, are gradually shifting their area of activity to the south. Former military leaders of the Coordination Movement of Azawad, with connections in Mauritania where some attacks are being prepared, have also joined them.
The Armed Forces of Burkina Faso continue operations to regain control in the west and east of the country. Simultaneously, the terrorists, worn out after a series of attacks in February, decreased their activity in early March.
A period of détente has begun between Niger and the ECOWAS member countries, during which the parties are gradually restoring economic relations. Meanwhile, Niger authorities declared the termination of military cooperation with the United States, also accusing Washington of inadequate assistance in combating terrorists, pressure, threats, and failure to disclose the activities of its military representatives.
🔻 Read more about the situation in Mali , Burkina Faso and Niger on our website
High-resolution maps:
The situation in Mali ( ru ; en ; fra )
Situation in Burkina Faso ( ru ; en ; fra )
The situation in Niger ( ru ; en ; fra )
#Africa #Sahel #Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #map
@rybar together with @departamente
Support us Original msg
Situation for March 1 - 18, 2024
Seven months after establishing the Sahel Alliance, member states decided to create a joint force to counter the terrorists affecting the region.
In Mali, militants, following defeats in the north, are gradually shifting their area of activity to the south. Former military leaders of the Coordination Movement of Azawad, with connections in Mauritania where some attacks are being prepared, have also joined them.
The Armed Forces of Burkina Faso continue operations to regain control in the west and east of the country. Simultaneously, the terrorists, worn out after a series of attacks in February, decreased their activity in early March.
A period of détente has begun between Niger and the ECOWAS member countries, during which the parties are gradually restoring economic relations. Meanwhile, Niger authorities declared the termination of military cooperation with the United States, also accusing Washington of inadequate assistance in combating terrorists, pressure, threats, and failure to disclose the activities of its military representatives.
🔻 Read more about the situation in Mali , Burkina Faso and Niger on our website
High-resolution maps:
The situation in Mali ( ru ; en ; fra )
Situation in Burkina Faso ( ru ; en ; fra )
The situation in Niger ( ru ; en ; fra )
#Africa #Sahel #Mali #BurkinaFaso #Niger #map
@rybar together with @departamente
Support us Original msg
Forwarded from Rybar in English
🇳🇪 Situation in Niger: Intensification of Counter-Terrorism Activities
Summary for July 21 - August 21, 2024
The positive trend aimed at destroying cells of terrorist organizations on the territory of the country continues.
▪️Along the Malian border, the armed forces conducted an operation to free hostages from the captivity of the local branch of the "Islamic State", involving about a thousand troops. After the hostages began to be evacuated, the convoy was ambushed by terrorists, resulting in about 30 casualties.
At the same time, thanks to aerial reconnaissance near the city of Bankilaré, a large concentration of militants was destroyed using drones. As a result, about a dozen extremists were neutralized.
▪️Further south on the border with Burkina Faso, where JNIM militants linked to Al-Qaeda are entrenched, terrorist detachments from where they sometimes arrive were also eliminated. More than 20 radicals were eliminated in the local forests.
After the summit of the Sahel States Alliance, which decided to create a confederation, there is a solidarity between the foreign policy departments of Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey. After support from Kyiv for the attacks by Islamists on Tin-Zaouatine, all three countries severed ties with it, calling on the UN to condemn the actions of the Ukrainian leadership.
In addition, ties with the Algerian authorities have also strengthened. The ministers are actively discussing security and economic integration issues.
🔻We emphasize once again that the pragmatic authorities of Niamey maneuver between the interests of many countries, but remain committed to the course of sovereignty with Russian support. And the support of the African Corps allows for large-scale counter-terrorist operations, which has a positive impact on the situation within the country.
High-resolution map
English version
#Africa #Niger #Sahel #map
@rybar
Support us Original msg
Summary for July 21 - August 21, 2024
The positive trend aimed at destroying cells of terrorist organizations on the territory of the country continues.
▪️Along the Malian border, the armed forces conducted an operation to free hostages from the captivity of the local branch of the "Islamic State", involving about a thousand troops. After the hostages began to be evacuated, the convoy was ambushed by terrorists, resulting in about 30 casualties.
At the same time, thanks to aerial reconnaissance near the city of Bankilaré, a large concentration of militants was destroyed using drones. As a result, about a dozen extremists were neutralized.
▪️Further south on the border with Burkina Faso, where JNIM militants linked to Al-Qaeda are entrenched, terrorist detachments from where they sometimes arrive were also eliminated. More than 20 radicals were eliminated in the local forests.
After the summit of the Sahel States Alliance, which decided to create a confederation, there is a solidarity between the foreign policy departments of Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey. After support from Kyiv for the attacks by Islamists on Tin-Zaouatine, all three countries severed ties with it, calling on the UN to condemn the actions of the Ukrainian leadership.
In addition, ties with the Algerian authorities have also strengthened. The ministers are actively discussing security and economic integration issues.
🔻We emphasize once again that the pragmatic authorities of Niamey maneuver between the interests of many countries, but remain committed to the course of sovereignty with Russian support. And the support of the African Corps allows for large-scale counter-terrorist operations, which has a positive impact on the situation within the country.
High-resolution map
English version
#Africa #Niger #Sahel #map
@rybar
Support us Original msg
Forwarded from Rybar in English
🇲🇱 Situation in Mali: Clashes in the center of the country and an ambush on a Wagner PMC convoy
Summary for November 1 - 25, 2024
Over the past month, fighting has erupted in the Mopti region of Mali, where radical Islamists from the Al-Qaeda-linked group "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin" tried to strengthen their positions.
▪️Since the beginning of November, militants have infiltrated many villages near the city of Bandiagara, terrorizing the local population. In some of them, local self-defense units repelled the attacks.
After that, the region was placed under special surveillance by the armed forces. A significant number of UAVs and aircraft were involved to dislodge the radical Islamists from their occupied positions.
▪️Unfortunately, during the ground phase of the mopping-up operation in the villages, a cargo convoy of two vehicles with Wagner PMC fighters was ambushed by militants. The superior forces of the radical Islamists killed six Company fighters.
❗️It should be noted here that the interest is not in the incident itself, which is an integral part of combat operations, but in the reaction of the Western media, which, after the July ambush, have been more acutely responding to events in Mali.
In the context of increased attention to the Islamic State terrorists in Africa, a similar interest in the Al-Qaeda affiliates is also successfully turning into a story about the alleged inability of Russian specialists to secure the country.
This narrative is successfully embedded in the attempts of the collective West to establish a foothold in the Sahel, including through military initiatives. And through the French-language media, anti-Russian propaganda has long been undermining public trust in the Russians.
🔻Meanwhile, there are reshuffles at the highest level. Thus, Prime Minister Choguel Maiga was dismissed and replaced by Abdoulaye Maiga. The reason for his removal from office was his criticism of the transitional authorities and complaints about the restrictions on his powers.
The new Prime Minister is close to the current President of the country and is a more ardent supporter of the anti-French line. How this will affect the country and relations with foreign business - we will find out in the near future.
High-resolution map
English version
#Africa #map #Mali #Sahel
@rybar
Support us Original msg
Summary for November 1 - 25, 2024
Over the past month, fighting has erupted in the Mopti region of Mali, where radical Islamists from the Al-Qaeda-linked group "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin" tried to strengthen their positions.
▪️Since the beginning of November, militants have infiltrated many villages near the city of Bandiagara, terrorizing the local population. In some of them, local self-defense units repelled the attacks.
After that, the region was placed under special surveillance by the armed forces. A significant number of UAVs and aircraft were involved to dislodge the radical Islamists from their occupied positions.
▪️Unfortunately, during the ground phase of the mopping-up operation in the villages, a cargo convoy of two vehicles with Wagner PMC fighters was ambushed by militants. The superior forces of the radical Islamists killed six Company fighters.
❗️It should be noted here that the interest is not in the incident itself, which is an integral part of combat operations, but in the reaction of the Western media, which, after the July ambush, have been more acutely responding to events in Mali.
In the context of increased attention to the Islamic State terrorists in Africa, a similar interest in the Al-Qaeda affiliates is also successfully turning into a story about the alleged inability of Russian specialists to secure the country.
This narrative is successfully embedded in the attempts of the collective West to establish a foothold in the Sahel, including through military initiatives. And through the French-language media, anti-Russian propaganda has long been undermining public trust in the Russians.
🔻Meanwhile, there are reshuffles at the highest level. Thus, Prime Minister Choguel Maiga was dismissed and replaced by Abdoulaye Maiga. The reason for his removal from office was his criticism of the transitional authorities and complaints about the restrictions on his powers.
The new Prime Minister is close to the current President of the country and is a more ardent supporter of the anti-French line. How this will affect the country and relations with foreign business - we will find out in the near future.
High-resolution map
English version
#Africa #map #Mali #Sahel
@rybar
Support us Original msg
