Several political and security developments across West Africa are drawing attention - from rising security threats to shifts in the region's political landscape.

Ghana is calling on the Commonwealth to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, while in Senegal there is debate over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next UN Secretary-General.

At the same time, new data shows countries such as Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are increasing arms purchases as security concerns grow, while political tensions are also emerging in places like Guinea and Burkina Faso.

To help us unpack these developments, we are joined by Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst.

Talking Points:

1. Ghana has called on the Commonwealth of Nations to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in Lebanon.
2. In Senegal, opinion is divided over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next United Nations secretary-general.
3. Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are now the biggest weapons buyers in sub-Saharan Africa as security threats grow.
4. Authorities in Niger State in Nigeria have ordered political appointees seeking to run in the 2027 elections to resign.
5. Burkina Faso is facing tensions within its military leadership while jihadist attacks continue to intensify.
6. The United States has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a possible terrorist threat and urged caution.
7. The United States is close to a deal with Mali to resume intelligence operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel.
8. Guinea has dissolved around 40 political parties, including key opposition groups, tightening control over the political space.
9. Guinea has also introduced caps on campaign spending ahead of future elections.

 

Several political and security developments across West Africa are drawing attention - from rising security threats to shifts in the region's political landscape.
Ghana is calling on the Commonwealth to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, while in Senegal there is debate over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next UN Secretary-General.
At the same time, new data shows countries such as Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are increasing arms purchases as security concerns grow, while political tensions are also emerging in places like Guinea and Burkina Faso.
To help us unpack these developments, we are joined by Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst.
Talking Points: 1. Ghana has called on the Commonwealth of Nations to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in Lebanon. 2. In Senegal, opinion is divided over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next United Nations secretary-general. 3. Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are now the biggest weapons buyers in sub-Saharan Africa as security threats grow. 4. Authorities in Niger State in Nigeria have ordered political appointees seeking to run in the 2027 elections to resign. 5. Burkina Faso is facing tensions within its military leadership while jihadist attacks continue to intensify. 6. The United States has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a possible terrorist threat and urged caution. 7. The United States is close to a deal with Mali to resume intelligence operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel. 8. Guinea has dissolved around 40 political parties, including key opposition groups, tightening control over the political space. 9. Guinea has also introduced caps on campaign spending ahead of future elections.
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