Beholden.

This is coolbert:

"The mercenaries are not actually Turkish, although they are supplied by Turkey. They are Syrians, Turkish-allied proxy militias, remnants from the Syrian Civil War. While in May 2024 there have been several articles about the arrival of these Syrian mercenaries in Niger . . . [it is] reported that up to 3,500 fighters from the Turkish-controlled Sultan Murad Division in Northern Syria would eventually be sent to Niger."

If this don't beat all! Not only Russians in the Sahel region of Africa. The Turk too? SADAT PMC? Turkish mercenaries!

"Turkey's Syrian Mercenaries Come To The Sahel In Africa"

May 17, 2024 | By Amb. Alberto M. Fernandez* [VP MEMRI]  https://tinyurl.com/y3uhufp3

"Long a sinecure [?] of former colonial powers, large parts of Africa have in recent years become a wide-open marketplace for new foreign players. While much of the focus – and hysteria – in the West has been about the resurgence of China and Russia in Africa, there is also a raft of ambitious middle or rising powers – Turkey, UAE, India, Israel, Egypt, Brazil – looking forward to project either economic or military or political power onto the continent."

Turkish mercenaries but nary a Turk in sight? Syrian Arabs a proxy force of the Turk as aligned against Assad the Syrian dictator feeling obligated and greatly indebted to Angora and the Sultan.

Great is the mineral wealth of the Sahel? That is what is in question here?

See further an entire War on the Rocks article devoted to SADAT PMC!  https://tinyurl.com/2t2j6jtd

coolbert.

Niger.

This is coolbert:

The Russians arrive! Russian Africa Corps but not Wagner!

"Russian Specialists Arrive in Niger to Train Local Forces on Combating Terrorism"

11.04.2024 |  https://tinyurl.com/54fnxc58

"NIAMEY (Sputnik) - Russian specialists have arrived in Niger to train local forces on combating terrorism, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the scene."

Click on images to see an enlarged view. Click https://tinyurl.com/chs5h8kt also to see the X web site entry in the original with audio.

See all previous blog entries [some with additional embedded links]  the American-built airfields Niger:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/05/airbase-201.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/03/linking.html

coolbert.

Airbase 201.

This is coolbert:

"The move by Russia's military, which Reuters was the first to report, puts U.S. and Russian troops in close proximity at a time when the nations' military and diplomatic rivalry is increasingly acrimonious over the conflict in Ukraine."

It is not so much the American leaving but the Russian arriving! More American military and geo-political humiliation! 

"Russian troops enter base housing US military in Niger, US official says"

From https://www.reuters.com  | By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali | May 3, 2024.

"WASHINGTON, May 2 (Reuters) - Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces."

"The military officers ruling the West African nation have told the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, which until a coup last year had been a key partner for Washington's fight against insurgents who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more."

An insurgency of off-shoots and affiliates of the Al Qaeda and the Islamic State persuasion!

"A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using a separate hangar at Airbase 101, which is next to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger's capital."

See previous blog entries as germane:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-1.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-2.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerian-3.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/03/linking.html

coolbert.

Chibok III.

This is coolbert:

"Ms. Dauda kept track of the friends from Chibok who died. Sixteen in air raids and bomb attacks. Two in childbirth. One as a suicide bomber, coerced by Boko Haram. One of sickness, and one of snakebite. She noticed that it was mostly women and children dying in the air raids and wondered when it would be her turn"

Once more, as I thought was going to eventually occur has now has come to pass! Ten years later!

"She Was Kidnapped a Decade Ago With 275 Girls. Finally, She Escaped.{Christian Nigerian Chibok girl captured by jihadis, converted to Islam}"

From New York Times ^ | April 14th, 2024 | By Ismail Alfa and Ruth Maclean | the tip from Freeper.

"Saratu Dauda had been kidnapped. It was 2014"

"Kidnapped from their dormitory exactly 10 years ago, the 276 captives known as the Chibok Girls were catapulted to fame by Michelle Obama, by churches that took up the mostly Christian students’ cause and by campaigners using the slogan 'Bring Back Our Girls.'”

"Their lives have taken wildly different turns since the abduction. Some escaped almost immediately; 103 were released a few years later after negotiations. A dozen or so now live abroad, including in the United States. As many as 82 are still missing.."

[. . . .]

"Before she was abducted, she was a happy teenager in a large, close-knit Christian family.....they were given a choice: Get married or become a slave who could be summoned for housework or sex."

"Ms. Dauda chose marriage, converted to Islam and changed her first name to Aisha. She was presented with a man in his late 20s. Hours after they met, they were married."

See previous blog entries the Chibok kidnappings:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2016/09/chibok-i.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2016/09/chibok-ii.html

coolbert.

ASPIDES.

This is coolbert:

Intercept and destruction a Hootie Tootie drone the Red Sea. French navy stands tall. Helicopter of war the French way! 

"Helicopter From French Navy Destroyer Shoots Down Houthi UAV In Red Sea"

From https://theaviationist.com | DAVID CENCIOTTI | March 20, 2024.

"A French Navy helicopter launched from a destroyer supporting EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation in the Red Sea, shot down a Houthi UAV."

European naval contingent the Red Sea as operating independently the American sponsored Operation Prosperity Guardian.

"On Mar. 20, 2024, a Marine Nationale (French Navy) helicopter embarked on a French destroyer, shot down a Houthi UAV threatening commercial navigation in the Red Sea, the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES military operation’s official X account announced."

"No additional details about the downing have been released so far."

Once more the cost-efficient manner of intercept and destruction of a Hootie Tootie drone. Italian warship the same vicinity having previously using a rapid-fire 76 mm naval gun to do so.

Intercept possibly by a Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS565 Panther. Means of shoot-down not specified. Still no need to expend a $ million dollar ship-borne air-to air missile to destroy a $ 20,000 drone.

Bon travail mes amis. Plus de la même chose si possible. Continuez votre bon travail.

coolbert.

Linking.

This is coolbert:

Some items of interest with links as pertinent to some recent blog entries. 

1. "US Claims It Hasn’t Received Formal Request to Leave Niger"

"The ruling government has said the US presence is no longer legal"

From https://news.antiwar.com | by Dave DeCamp March 21, 2024. 

"A Pentagon official on Thursday insisted that the military-led government in Niger, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), has not formally asked US troops to leave the country despite declaring the US presence is no longer legally justified."

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-1.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-2.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerian-3.html

American drone airfield Niger a laborious and expensive project now gone?

2. "Lithuania Pledges to Spend at Least 3% of GDP on Defense"

From https://www.usnews.com | March 21, 2024. Original story Reuters.

"VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania's parliament on Thursday confirmed state budget guidelines which foresee an amount worth at least 3% of gross domestic product to be spent on defense from 2025 onwards."

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/03/wanting_12.html

As goes Poland so does now Lithuania?

coolbert.

Bancroft C.A.R?

This is coolbert:

Never heard of this Bancroft before at least until now.

"US Bancroft Group to Replace Russia's Wagner in C.A.R? | Vantage with Palki Sharma"

See YouTube video with narration by Palki Sharma:

"Reports say that the Central African Republic's president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has been in talks with the American Bancroft Group for months. The Bancroft Group is a US Mercenary Company like Russia's Wagner PMC. Wagner has been working with the C.A.R. for years. A senior Wagner official was recently seen in the C.A.R. after years. Is Wagner worried that Bancroft will take over? Palki Sharma tells you."

This Robert Rougé has been the topic of a much prior blog entry from the year 2011. Now more apropos than ever.

coolbert.

Sudan.

This is coolbert:

Preposterous? Absurd? Beyond the realm of any imaginable scenario? And at such an exact moment in time too! Place this one in the strange but true category?

Ukrainians involved in the Sudanese Civil War? Ukrainians?

"Video confirms Ukrainian special forces fought Wagner group in Sudan"

JOHN SEXTON | October 06, 2023.

   

“A video released today confirms a story that CNN reported a couple weeks ago. Ukrainian special forces were active in Sudan, attacking the local Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which were trying to overthrow the government with the help of Wagner group mercenaries. The video shows Ukrainian snipers and drone attacks on the RSF.”

See the video, Ukrainian special operations units versus Wagner musicians in the Sudan:

Personally, I am very confused by the Sudanese Civil War. RSF used to be called the janjaweed. Convicts released from prison forming irregular military forces, as used by the central government of the Sudan in suppressing the revolt in Darfur province using genocidal means to do so. Now Ukrainian special operations forces are in mortal combat with RSF and Wagner mercenaries? Wagner villains attempting to seize and control gold mines the Sudan. 

Please recall that Eugene the late great famous/infamous commander and owner of Wagner had a great preoccupation with mines. Salt mines, gypsum mines, uranium ore yellowcake mines and probably now gold mines. All at behest of the Kremlin and Vlad. Eugene gone now so someone else will take up the slack.

coolbert.

Ogaden.

This is coolbert:

Hard to say if this combat action as reported is a mere continuation of the Ogaden War from the late 1970's.

Events as occurring decades ago now some persons have long memories and a grudge. The war continues but for the most part under the radar. 

"Over 160 Ethiopian Soldiers Killed by Al-Shabaab Militants in Western Somalia"

The Battle of Wajid. The story courtesy https://sputnikglobe.com

"MOSCOW (Sputnik) - At least 167 Ethiopian soldiers were killed in an ambush by militants of the radical Islamist group Al-Shabaab in western Somalia, the Somali Guardian news portal reported on Sunday, citing the group."

"The group also said that surviving Ethiopian soldiers had been captured and the advance of Ethiopian troops had been stopped, the report said, adding that the militants also destroyed Ethiopian military equipment and seized a large amount of weapons."

Consider the Ogaden War within context of the most recent fighting. Thanks to the wiki entry:

"The Ogaden War, also known as the Ethio-Somali War . . . was a military conflict fought between Somalia and Ethiopia from July 1977 to March 1978 over the Ethiopian region of Ogaden. Somalia's invasion of the region, precursor to the wider war, met with the Soviet Union's disapproval, leading the superpower to end its support of Somalia and support Ethiopia instead."

Not sure if this Wajid east of the "administrative line" de facto border between Ethiopia and Somalia. That Ogaden 

Ogaden War fought to create a Greater Somali state incorporating all ethnic Somali into a single unified nation-state. A war involving Cuban interventionists with victory to the Ethiopian side.

Wajid merely a continuation of events as transpired in 1977/1978? Probably a stretch but maybe not so much so. As I said, those people have long memories.

coolbert.

Geopolitical.

This is coolbert:

Yevgeniyy speaks! Recruiting video Africa?

"Wagner's Prigozhin Issues Recruiting Video From Africa"

From https://www.zerohedge.com via Reuters | article by TYLER DURDEN | AUG 22, 2023. 

"Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner private military company, has popped up in Africa, and issued his first full video address to the public since the mutiny events of June 23-24."

 "The temperature is +50 [122 deg. F.] - everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa - more free. Justice and happiness - for the African people, we're making life a nightmare for ISIS and Al-Qaeda and other bandits," 

Go here to see and hear the entire tweet. Sans translation subtitles unfortunately!

Devoted readers to the blog encouraged to read the entire article for themselves. Wagner active in Africa, those preponderance of African nations have signed military agreements with Russia! We have hardly heard the last of the musicians.

coolbert.

ECOWAS.

This is coolbert.

Interventionists the Niger situation? A ferment exists.

"Serious episode with B. Noland in Niger: "Green light" for an invasion of 25,000 soldiers - French and US SOF will occupy the airport in Niamey! ( video )"

From https://warnews247 | 08/08/2023.

"25,000 ECOWAS army is gathering for the invasion of Niger, authoritative French sources say. The green light was reportedly given after Victoria Nuland was expelled from Niger along with the designation [delegation] of ECOWAS, the United Nations and the African Union."

Comments:

* Wagner PMC units already in Mali and the Central African Republic! Expect Niger soon?

* Niger vital to American interests Africa and the Sahel region? 

* And as for that $ 1 Billion US American airbase Niger that took three years to build? Expect it to be gutted and stripped of all essentials and in short order. A total waste I fear.

Yesterday I didn't even know what ECOWAS was. Hardly do I know much now but that is all about to change?

coolbert.

Nigerien 3.

This is coolbert:

Concluding American air base Niger.

"Air Base 201: Chapter 3"

Almost three solid years of construction gone in the proverbial heartbeat. Coup by the military of Niger rendering the air base now off-limits to American warplanes?

See Part 3 the concluding You Tube video Air Base 201:

"Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger is the largest Air Force-led Construction project in recent history. It’s 6000-foot runway will expand the Air Force’s ability to project air power to western Africa to combat growing violent extremists in the region. 600 REDHORSE Airmen spent 1000 days battling environmental and logistical hurdles to build the critical base in the Sahel region"

REDHORSE = Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers.

"Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer (RED HORSE) squadrons are the United States Air Force's heavy-construction units. Their combat engineering capabilities are similar to those of the U.S. Navy Seabees and U.S. Army heavy-construction organizations."

REDHORSE unit their performance superlative. Yeoman duty done exceptionally. I hate to think that air base 201 will turn out to be nothing more than a grand training exercise. But for some reason I greatly fear so!

coolbert.

Nigerien 2.

This is coolbert:

Continuing American air base 201 Niger.

"Air Base 201: Chapter 2"

My perception is that combating extremism and insurgency/terrorism west Africa strictly and traditionally a French activity. That French colonial presence from a much prior era in Africa makes the French military most appropriate for mission in the area.

See the You Tube video:

"Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger is the largest Air Force-led Construction project in recent history. It’s 6000-foot [2,000 meter] runway will expand the Air Force’s ability to project air power to western Africa to combat growing violent extremists in the region. 600 REDHORSE Airmen spent 1000 days battling environmental and logistical hurdles to build the critical base in the Sahel region."

coolbert.

Nigerien 1.

This is coolbert:

American air base Niger. Finished in 2020. 

With regard to the very recent events as now occurring Niger.

The American occupation of Air Base 201 now threatened by the Russian PMC Wagner?

"Air Base 201: Chapter 1"

Such an American military presence and massive infrastructure project the Sahel I find to be surprising!

See the You Tube video:

"Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger is the largest Air Force-led Construction project in recent history. It’s 6000-foot [2,000 meters] runway will expand the Air Force’s ability to project air power to western Africa to combat growing violent extremists in the region. 600 REDHORSE Airmen spent 1000 days battling environmental and logistical hurdles to build the critical base in the Sahel region."

coolbert:

Niger.

This is coolbert:

All of a sudden out of nowhere Niger is a hot-button item.

"hot button: noun - an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction"

And for what exactly?

"BREAKING: Unconfirmed Reports of Wagner Group Personnel Aiding Coup in Niger"

From Red State ^ | 08/06/2023 | Ward Clark the tip from Freeper.

"Breaking news on the crisis in Niger; a PMC Wagner (Russian-language site at link) source has stated: A decision was made to deploy combat troops of the Wagner PMC in & around the capital of Niger, in light of current security situation & foreign threats. PMC Wagner, also known as the Wagner Group, is a Russian state-funded military group controlled by Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, and technically operates outside Russian law, which prohibits private military groups"

Comments:

* I had thought that Niger had extensive uranium mines producing yellowcake. Unprocessed uranium ore. But that is not the case. They DO HAVE extensive deposits of uranium ore as surveyed but not developed.

* The presence of Wagner PMC Russia we should find to be surprising? Yevgenyy likes mines of all sorts, salt, gypsum and now yellowcake.

* Other nations of the Sahel region proposing military action against the coup perpetrators to restore  "legitimate and legal constitutional" authority. Good luck with that one.

coolbert.

Flintlock.

This is coolbert:

More Canada stuff!

Canadians military personnel in Africa? Canadians?

As jihadist attacks intensify in West Africa, troops train with Canadian soldiers.

"Flintlock, an annual counterterrorism training program for African forces, resumes with new urgency as Islamist militants target the deserts of the Sahel region"

www.theglobeandmail.com GEOFFREY YORK | AFRICA BUREAU CHIEF 

"Soldiers from Niger storm into a hotel building near Jacqueville, Ivory Coast, mentored by a member of Canada's Special Operations Forces who is visible at rear left."

"Under the watchful eye of a Canadian soldier, heavily armed troops from Niger storm into a three-story hotel and launch a room-by-room close-quarters operation to clear the terrorists who, in this drill, have seized the building."

"At a 400-metre shooting range nearby, another Canadian soldier briefs forces from Niger as they prepare to aim their sniper scopes at a series of targets. A third Canadian is monitoring a unit’s battlefield emergency-aid procedures."

NATO military personnel training the armed forces of the Sahel region [that area just south of the Sahara desert] normally a function of the French? 

West African jihadists among the many "hydra-headed" manifestations of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State.

NOW only if these Canadian military professionals if they are living on the economy reimbursed for their meals! PM Justin, expedite matters!

coolbert.

Thundered.

This is coolbert:

Pity the plight of the poor Ugandan!

The motherland calls!! If ever threatened!

"President Museveni’s Son Says Uganda Will Send Troops to Defend Moscow"

From www.breitbart.com the story by JOHN HAYWARD | 3 Apr 2023.

"Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan strongman President Yoweri Museveni and a general in the Ugandan Army, said on Thursday that his country would send troops to defend Moscow if the Western world goes to war against Russia."

“'Call me a ‘Putinist’ if you will, but we, Uganda shall send soldiers to defend Moscow if it’s ever threatened by the Imperialists!' Kainerugaba thundered on Twitter."

“'In Africa, we only believe in President Putin when it comes to Eastern Europe. The West is wasting its time with its useless pro-Ukraine propaganda,' he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin."

There is some connection here to the BRICS agenda? Alternative world-order system the major constituent players Brazil/Russia/India/China/South Africa. Wagner PMC already very active in Africa. African countries seen by "outside" players as RIPE for the TAKING. Neo-colonialism and all that. Wealth of the continent coveted and you need to pay off a of local despots to make the whole process of exploitation much easier.

coolbert.

Recolonization.

This is coolbert:

"the first recolonization of a sovereign African state in more than a century" - Al J Venter.

Thanks to the Internet web site https://cliffcentral.com/ see this You Tube video and podcast.

"Gareth's Guests: Al J Venter Jan 18, 2023"

"South African foreign correspondent Al J Venter returned from the Central African Republic six weeks ago, having had personal experience of a Russian mercenary force that has virtually taken over an African state. The international community is now familiar with the activities of the Moscow-run Wagner Group, an exploitative military force that is currently active in several African countries - among them the CAR, Mali, Burkina Faso, parts of Libya and before that, Mozambique. In the process, mines and raw resources are being taken over by force and any opposition summarily dealt with, no questions asked."

Think additionally the Ukraine Conflict the siege and battle at Bakhmut. Valuable salt and gypsum mines that target of Yevgeniyy? As in Africa so in Ukraine.

coolbert:

Bogus.

This is coolbert:

Russian Wagner Group PMC their recruiting methods leave a lot to be desired? According to a Russian journalist this is so.

1. "Russia’s Shadow Army Exposed and Humiliated by Bogus ‘Recruit’"

DUPED

From www.thedailybeast.com | Allison Quinn that original story | Igor Russak/Reutersm | Jan. 18, 2023.

"Alcoholics are welcome, social media is forbidden, and terrorism offenses are where Wagner recruiters apparently draw the line."

"A Russian journalist went undercover as a wannabe recruit for the notorious Wagner Group and was seemingly accepted by the private army after little to no questioning about his background."

Additionaly also yet more African as a recruit to Wagner PMC now killed-in-action.

2. "The funeral of the fighter of the ChVK « Wagner » of Tanzanian origin who died under Bakhmut took place in Goryach"

From riafan.ru | January 16, 2023. 

"The funeral of the fighter of the ChVK « Wagner » of Tanzanian origin who died under Bakhmut took place in Goryach"

3. "Russia-Ukraine War Leaves Tanzanian Family In Tears"

"Tanzanian Nemes Tarimo died in Ukraine while fighting for the Russians. His family wants his body brought to Tanzania."

From thechanzo.com | Lukelo Francis | 19 January 2023.

"Dar es Salaam. The family of a Tanzanian national who died in Ukraine fighting for Russia under Wagner group is eagerly waiting to hear from the government when exactly will the body of its loved one be brought into the country for burial."

[....]

"The funeral of a citizen of Tanzania, Tarimo Nemes Raymond, who fought under Bakhmut as part of the « Wagner » and died in the performance of a combat mission, was held in Goryachyachyklyach."

See previous blog entry with embedded link a Zambian citizen recruited by Wagner PMC a casualty of the Ukraine Conflict:

coolbert.

Mosi II.

This is coolbert:

BRICS in action. Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

Nothing to really see here folks move along.

We can reasonably infer that the recent visit of the Russian flag merchant vessel Lady R to the South Africa port of Simonstown is somehow related to forthcoming naval exercises as part of the BRICS alliance? Chinese, Russian, South African naval vessels a joint exercise.

"South Africa Set to Welcome Russian Warships Despite Criticism"

"Russian, Chinese navies to participate in February exercises"

"Opposition says decision to go ahead shows poor judgment"

From www.bloomberg.com By Antony Sguazzin January 16, 2023. That tip from Abe.

"South Africa will next month go ahead with naval exercises off its eastern coast with Russian and Chinese warships in a decision that could further strain its relationship with some of its biggest trading partners."

"Operation Mosi, which means smoke, will take place from Feb. 17 to Feb. 26. South Africa’s reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its decision to allow sanctioned Russian vessels to dock at its ports have already ramped up tensions with the US, UK and European Union who are backing Ukraine in the conflict. The country’s biggest opposition party questioned the wisdom of going ahead with the exercises."

Mosi I the previous naval exercise Russia-China-South Africa as held previously in 2019.

See previous blog entries the topic of which was the visit of the Russian-flagged merchant vessel to South Africa:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/01/lady-r.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/01/lady-r-ii.html

coolbert.