Togo Looks to China

 The Diplomat published on 27 October 2026 an article titled "Togo's China Pivot: Building a Strategic Gateway to the Sahel" by Ovigwe Eguegu.

Following a visit to China by its president, Togo looks to expand ties with China and serve as a gateway for landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.  The article cites the expansion of Togo's exports to China from $15 MILLION in 2024 to $ 18 MILLION in 2025.  

Comment:  The article failed to note that China's exports to Togo in 2025 totaled more than $4 BILLION.  It is important to put these bilateral relationships in perspective.  

Russia's Praetorian Guard Helps Put Down Coup in Niger

 France 24 posted on 30 August 2026 an article titled "Niger Junta Puts Down Mutiny with Help from Russia's Africa Corps."

Niger authorities thwarted a mutiny by young soldiers on 28-29 August with the help of Russia's Africa Corps.  Moscow's ambassador to Niger said the military government requested help, and the mutineers were "neutralised particularly thanks to the intervention of Africa Corps."

Russia's Ghost Reporters and Fake Experts in African Media

 Graphika, an intelligence platform based on digital relationships, coordination, and the movement of information across networks, published on 25 August 2026 an analysis titled "Umbrae Ex Machina: Mapping Russian Ghostwriting Operations Across African News Outlets."

Russia has been planting ghost reporters and fake experts in African media to advance its strategic interests on the continent.  This report provides an overview of the English-and French-speaking network of Russian ghost reporters in Africa.  It identified 44 ghost writers and fake experts who were active between 2021 and 2026.  Their media content was duplicated or quoted on 138 websites and republished on at least 113 Facebook accounts.

Russia Confirms Military Support for Three Sahel Countries

 Reuters published on 9 July 2026 an article titled "Russia and Sahel States Deepen Military Ties as Insurgent Attacks Persist."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to discuss growing military cooperation with the three Sahel countries.  Russia confirmed its intention to strengthen the armed forces of the three countries.