Welcome to Foreign Policy’s Africa Brief. This week’s highlights include Niger ending U.S. military ties, Binance executives detained in Nigeria, and Burundi withdrawing from the NBA’s Africa League. If you’d like Africa Brief delivered to your inbox every Wednesday, please sign up here.
Will Senegal’s Opposition Oust Macky Sall?
After President Macky Sall suspended presidential elections, a ballot has been set for March 24 in Senegal. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and his chosen candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, have been released from prison and are campaigning. Both men have backgrounds in law and taxation, and have promised to tackle corruption, a popular issue among frustrated young people.
Despite facing legal challenges, Sonko and Faye are benefiting from an amnesty law announced by Sall. The upcoming election will not feature an incumbent for the first time in Senegal’s history. The opposition faces challenges from Prime Minister Amadou Ba, supported by Sall’s ruling coalition.
An U.N. stabilization mission report on the Congo, U.S. officials visiting Nigeria and other African nations, and the upcoming Senegalese elections are key events this week.
Niger Ends U.S. Military Ties
Niger, a crucial U.S. ally, has cut military ties with the United States, after failed talks with U.S. officials. The move came following accusations by Nigerien officials of U.S. condescension and threats. Niger signed a defense pact with Russia in December, causing concern for U.S. officials.
The rejection of U.S. troops is a significant blow, especially as Niger had previously been a key ally against terror groups in the Sahel. The U.S. has a military base in Agadez, in northern Niger, with over 1,000 soldiers.
Execs Detained in Nigeria
Relatives of two foreign executives indefinitely detained in Nigeria have criticized their governments for not doing enough to secure their release. The executives, from cryptocurrency firm Binance, were arrested following a ban on the company by the Nigerian government.
One of the detained executives is a dual British-Kenyan citizen, while the other is a U.S. citizen and former federal agent. Pressure is mounting for their release, as they remain detained without charge.
Nigeria Ransom Demand
Kidnappers in Nigeria have demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira (approximately $640,000) for the release of more than 280 kidnapped students and staff. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed not to pay any ransom, as the government outlawed such payments in 2022 to combat kidnapping.
Security concerns persist in Nigeria, with dozens more abducted in a recent incident in Kaduna. Heightened poverty and historic state neglect contribute to the country’s security challenges.