West
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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 ... -
What does Jammeh have to gain by making The Gambia an Islamic Republic?
President Yahya Jammeh has developed a reputation for surprising announcements. What might be the reasons behind his latest? In a surprise announcement last month, ... -
Nigeria’s contentious court rulings reveal need for electoral reform
The Court of Appeal’s recent string of rulings on disputed elections have raised accusations of political interference. Nigeria’s presidential election in March 2015 was ... -
Nigeria: Buhari’s 2016 budget continues use of secretive ‘security votes’
Nearly $50 million has been set aside in unaccountable items notorious for being misdirected. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, the fight against corruption in Nigeria ...
