Foreign
Ivory Coast President Announces Withdrawal of French Forces.
In a significant development for Ivory Coast, President Alassane Ouattara announced the planned withdrawal of French military forces during his end-of-year address to the nation on Tuesday. This decision reflects a growing confidence in the capabilities of the Ivorian armed forces and a shift in the country’s defense strategy.
President Ouattara emphasized that Ivorians should take pride in the modernization of their military, stating, “In this context, we have decided on the coordinated and organised withdrawal of French forces.” This statement marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between Ivory Coast and France, as it signals a move towards greater autonomy in national defense.
Reports indicate that France is contemplating a broader reduction of its military presence across West and Central Africa, potentially decreasing its troop levels from approximately 2,200 to around 600. This comes in the wake of France’s withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military coups and rising anti-French sentiments have prompted a reevaluation of its military commitments in the region.
Furthermore, the recent termination of the defense cooperation pact between Chad and France underscores a shifting landscape in West African security dynamics. As regional governments reassess their alliances, the withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast may signify a new era of self-reliance for the nation.
As Ivory Coast embarks on this journey towards enhanced sovereignty in defense matters, the international community will be watching closely to see how these changes will impact regional stability and security cooperation.
Niger has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, currently operated by French nuclear firm Orano. This decision marks a further departure from France, Niger’s former colonial power, and a potential realignment with Russia. The military government, in power since a 2023 coup, accuses Orano of unfairly benefiting from the mine’s output since its launch in 1971. Orano, which holds a 63% stake in Somair, disputes the allegations and has threatened legal action, citing a “systematic policy of stripping mining assets.” This move follows Niger’s earlier removal of Orano’s operational control over key mines in the country. The nationalization reflects a broader trend in West Africa, with Mali and Burkina Faso also pursuing similar policies under military rule. The situation is further complicated by existing arbitration processes between Orano and Niger, including a recent lawsuit filed by Orano.
On Monday 16 June 2025, the Nigeria Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) commenced a 3-day working visit to Denmark. The working visit which is at the instance of the Danish Navy aims to strengthen cooperation between both navies.
The visit saw the CNS take a short boat trip with the Admiral of the Danish Navy, Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen. In the company of the CNS was Ambassador T. A. Elias-Fatile, CDAai/Head of Mission, Embassy of Nigeria, in Sweden and the Nordic countries, the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu and Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to London, Brigadier General Manu.
Other engagements on the first day of the working visit was a meeting with the CEO of Blue Denmark and a discussion session with the Denmark Ministry of Defence’s Centre for Security and Operations.
Below are some pictures that was taken :
Atlanta-based rapper Silento, known for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm. The sentencing follows his confession to fatally shooting his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021.
DeKalb County Police discovered Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that Silento and Rooks were last seen together in a white BMW SUV, which was later captured on security footage fleeing the scene after the shooting.
Prior to the incident, Silento’s PR manager, Chanel Hudson, stated that the rapper had been struggling with mental health issues for several years. In 2020, he was also charged with assault for allegedly attacking two people with a hatchet. Silento himself acknowledged his struggles with mental health in a 2019 interview, stating, “I have been fighting demons my whole life.”
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