Dec 26 At least 140 villagers killed as farmer-herder crisis in north-central Nigeria continues By Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press Nigerian officials and survivors say at least 140 people were killed by gunmen who attacked remote villages in north-central Nigeria's Plateau state in the latest of such mass killings this year blamed on the West African nation's farmer-herder crisis. Continue reading
Dec 18 At least 13 dead, 178 injured after a massive fuel depot explosion in Guinea’s capital By Boubacar Diallo, Associated Press It is not clear what caused the explosion that damaged the heart of the Kaloum administrative district that's home to most government offices. Continue reading
Nov 26 Sierra Leone under curfew after gunmen attack barracks, detention centers in capital By Kemo Cham, Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press Sierra Leone’s president declared a nationwide curfew Sunday after gunmen attacked the military's main and largest barracks in the West African nation's capital and then overran detention centers, including a major prison. Continue reading
Aug 26 Watch 6:51 Why West African nations are seeing a spate of military coups By Ali Rogin, Harry Zahn In recent years, several West African nations have seen the military seize control of the government. While there are unifying factors running through these coups, looking at each case individually helps explain what’s going on. Ali Rogin speaks with Kamissa… Continue watching
Aug 18 Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs discuss potential military force By Sam Mednick, Associated Press Defense chiefs from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, were meeting Thursday in Ghana to discuss next steps in their stated goal of restoring Bazoum. Continue reading
Aug 13 Niger’s junta has gained upper hand over West African bloc threatening military action, analysts say By Sam Mednick, Associated Press One week after a deadline to reinstate Niger's ousted president or face military intervention, the coup leaders appear to have gained the upper hand over the regional group that issued the threat, analysts say. Continue reading
Aug 12 Supporters of ousted Niger president plead with U.S. and other allies to save his life By Ellen Knickmeyer, Tracy Brown, Associated Press After nearly three weeks of appealing to the U.S. and other allies for help restoring Niger’s president to power, friends and supporters of the democratically elected leader are making a simpler plea: Save his life. Continue reading
Aug 11 West African nations order troops to restore democracy in Niger after military coup By Sam Mednick, Associated Press Tensions are escalating between Niger’s new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered troops deployed to restore Niger’s flailing democracy. Continue reading
Aug 10 AP report: Niger’s junta told U.S. they would kill deposed president if neighbors intervene militarily By Sam Mednick, Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press Representatives of the junta told U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country this week, a Western military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of… Continue reading
Aug 07 West African leaders to meet after Niger’s military junta fails to reinstate ousted president By Sam Mednick, Associated Press The mutinous soldiers have closed the country’s airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack. Continue reading