Operation Savannah Shield launched as US troops confirmed in Nigeria • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Nigeria Security Crisis: Escalating extremism, particularly in Quir State, and the response through Operation Savannah Shield and US military assistance.
• AGOA Extension: The African Growth and Opportunity Act and its impact on African clothing manufacturers, specifically in Kenya.
• African Fighters in Ukraine: The recruitment of African nationals, particularly Kenyans, into the Russian army and the resulting tragedies.
• DR Congo Conflict: The ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels, Rwanda’s alleged involvement, and US mediation efforts.
• Cameroon Waste Management: The challenges of waste disposal in Yaund and the government’s community-based cleanup initiative.
• Senegal Migrant Crisis (2006): The perilous journey of Senegalese migrants to the Canary Islands and the lasting trauma experienced by families.

Nigeria Tackles Extremism with New Operation & US Support

Following the brutal killing of 162 people in attacks on the Muslim villages of Waro and Nuku in Quir State, Nigeria has launched “Operation Savannah Shield.” This military operation aims to protect vulnerable communities – both Muslim and Christian – from escalating extremist violence. The attacks have been described as a “stunning security failure,” with no group yet claiming responsibility. Quir State is increasingly becoming a haven for armed groups, prompting the deployment of an army battalion.

Concurrently, the United States has dispatched a small team of forces to Nigeria to bolster counter-terrorism efforts. The head of US Africa Command, Davin Anderson, confirmed the deployment, citing a strengthening of the mutual agreement between the two countries. However, details regarding the troop numbers, location, duration of deployment, and specific duties remain scarce. This lack of transparency has fueled criticism, with concerns raised about potential ulterior motives, such as access to Nigerian mineral resources, and the potential undermining of Nigeria’s sovereignty. Despite these concerns, it’s acknowledged that international military cooperation is permissible and the US presence doesn’t inherently threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty. The success of US intervention will be judged by its ability to halt attacks and restore security.

AGOA Extension Offers Temporary Relief to African Clothing Industry

Clothing producers in Africa are cautiously optimistic following the US agreement to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until the end of 2026. The agreement, which provides duty-free access to the US market, was due to expire, causing significant anxiety within the manufacturing sector. The extension, while welcomed, is considered insufficient for securing long-term orders and attracting investment.

The lapse in AGOA previously forced exporters to absorb new US tariffs, impacting cash flow and jeopardizing thousands of jobs. Factory workers expressed worry about job security and the ability to provide for their families. AGOA supports tens of thousands of jobs across 32 African countries, highlighting the importance of a stable trade agreement. Industry leaders emphasize the need for a long-term solution to ensure continued growth and stability.

Kenyan Families Mourn Sons Lost in Ukraine War

The funeral of Charles Witaka, a Kenyan engineer killed while fighting in Ukraine, has sparked outrage over the recruitment of African nationals into the Russian army. Witaka reportedly went to Russia for work but was forcibly conscripted and died after stepping on a landmine. His family was not informed by Russian authorities and learned of his death through social media.

The NGO Vocal Africa estimates that at least 500 Kenyan men have joined the Russian military in the past year, with more still traveling to Russia. Families are demanding that the Kenyan government investigate recruitment agencies and prevent further departures. The case highlights the vulnerability of African migrants seeking opportunities abroad and the lack of diplomatic support for those caught in the conflict. Witaka’s mother recounted his desperate pleas to return to Kenya, expressing his fear and disillusionment with the war. She stated, “So I asked him now that you are going to war front what do you know about war? Do you know you are going to face people who have been at war for over that years. He cried daily. Mommy I would like to come back to Kenya. Things here are not good.”

DRC Conflict & US Mediation Face Challenges

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Chisiki concluded a visit to Washington D.C. to discuss the stalled implementation of the Washington Accords, a US-brokered peace deal aimed at resolving the conflict with M23 rebels in eastern Congo. The M23 rebels are allegedly backed by Rwanda. Progress on the deal has been “painfully slow.”

Meetings with US officials focused on advancing the Accords and discussing critical minerals and US investment in the DRC. However, US senators have publicly urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congo and called for sanctions against Rwanda for its support of the M23. Fighting continues on the ground, with the M23 claiming responsibility for a drone attack on the airport in Kisangani.

Cameroon Tackles Waste Crisis with Community Involvement

Yaund, Cameroon, is grappling with a severe waste management crisis. Existing waste collection services are overwhelmed by the city’s rapid growth and insufficient public dumpsters, leading to widespread littering. Waste management companies cite inadequate funding as a major obstacle.

The government is attempting a new approach by distributing cleaning equipment – wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, and scrapers – to local councils, hoping to encourage community participation in cleanup efforts. The initiative is also motivated by Cameroon’s preparations to host international events, including the 14th conference of ministers of the World Trade Organization and a visit by Pope Leo the 14th. The Minister of Culture emphasized the collective responsibility for maintaining a clean city, stating, “When the city’s clean, the joy is collective. When the city’s dirty, the shame is collective. That's what we need to remember.”

Senegal Migrant Crisis Revisited

A France 24 report revisited the 2006 migrant crisis in Senegal, where thousands attempted the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands in search of a better life. The report highlighted the lasting trauma experienced by families who lost loved ones at sea. Humanitarian worker Salu dedicates his life to assisting victims and their families. The report underscored the anger towards authorities perceived as neglecting the issue and the difficulty families face in grieving due to guilt and fear of rejection. A poignant quote from the report emphasizes the importance of remembrance: “I think we cannot forget. We must not forget.”

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act): A US trade act providing duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
• Operation Savannah Shield: A new Nigerian military operation aimed at tackling extremism in Quir State.
• US Africa Command (USAFRICOM): The United States military command responsible for military operations, including counter-terrorism efforts, in Africa.
• M23: A rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, allegedly supported by Rwanda.
• CFA Franc: The currency used in several West and Central African countries, formerly pegged to the French franc.
• Washington Accords: A US-brokered peace deal aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.