#Sahel

ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack killing 20. Military leader blames France while thanking Russian troops, highlighting West Africa's geopolitical realignment away from former colonial powers.

Heavy gunfire and explosions near Niger's capital airport raise questions about security and a massive uranium shipment stuck amid France diplomatic row.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed a 5,000-strong joint military force to combat armed groups. This analysis explores whether their deepening alliance with Russia can solve the region's security crisis.