West
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The UN had to go, but is Liberia ready to keep its own peace?
With thousands of UN peacekeepers leaving Liberia after 13 years, the country could be facing the most important transition in its history. Liberia has ... -
Not much magic: Nigeria’s Buhari completes his first year in office
After a mixed start, the hope and goodwill on which Buhari was elected a year ago is starting to run low One year after Muhammadu ... -
New friends, new risks as the Gambia looks East
The decisions of the tiny Gambia and its enigmatic president could have more repercussions for the region than one might expect On 11 December ... -
Boko Haram: A review of Eat the Heart of the Infidel
Andrew Walker’s book on the rise of Boko Haram is a mine of fascinating information. But like any mine, its valuable nuggets can take some hard labour ... -
Between a rock and a hard place: Gambians tackle Fortress Europe
The number of Gambians seeking asylum in Europe nearly quintupled between 2012 and 2014. The fact that most are turned away as ‘economic migrants’ speaks to ... -
Boko Haram, Islamic State, and the underlying concerns for West Africa
Last year, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. What’s come of it? When Boko Haram released a recording in March 2015 in ... -
How to “not understand” Nigeria
In A New History of a Turbulent Century, Richard Bourne says anyone who claims to understand Nigeria is either deluded or a liar. It’s ... -
Elections: Benin gears up for wide open 33-horse race
No one wants to call this one. When applications to contest Benin’s presidential elections opened at the start of this year, there was certainly ... -
Nigeria’s once mighty PDP is fighting for its future
The Peoples Democratic Party’s new chair has been accused of sponsoring Boko Haram and is being investigated for corruption while in office. Once hailed as ... -
Nigeria: Buhari’s southern dilemma heating up
With a cluster of hotly-contested election re-runs coming up and low oil prices squeezing budgets, the next six months will be pivotal for the ...
