2023

CYRUS OMBATI, THE STAR Kenya has nearly fulfilled one of its commitments to regional and international treaties on arms control as it nears completion of marking official firearms and ammunition.  The National Police Service has…

DEFENCEWEB A peacekeeping study shows that in 2022, there were more multilateral peace operations conducted than in any year during the previous decade. The report also says that the Russian mercenary Wagner Group has become “a major…

UNITED NATIONS Since 1948, more than 2 million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in United Nations field missions across the world. Their contributions were highlighted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers,…

ADF STAFF The United Nations has awarded its U.N. Training Recognition certification to the Ghana Army Peace Operations Training School. The school was awarded the certificate after a vigorous assessment of the training materials of…

ADF STAFF Morocco and Brazil are exploring a defense cooperation agreement that would include research, development, arms purchases and logistical support.  The Brazilian Senate approved the pact in May 2023. The cooperation agreement…

DEFENCEWEB The commander of Zimbabwe’s Air Force traveled to Nigeria to ask his counterpart for technical assistance, including in the operation and maintenance of fighter jets and helicopters. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported…

DEFENCEWEB An agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa, promises to strengthen defense cooperation between Portugal and South Africa. Portuguese President Marcelo de Sousa met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of a…

ADF STAFF According to the oral histories passed down by the griots, or storytellers, the Kingdom of Benin’s greatest king captured his throne by using magic powers a lion gave him for removing a thorn from its paw. Magic features…

ADF STAFF The 2023 ENACT Organized Crime Index for Africa explicitly links armed conflict and a lack of democratic institutions to an increase in organized crime. The report, authored by the Global Initiative Against Transnational…

ADF STAFF A forensic laboratory in northern Botswana will play a vital role in the effort to disrupt the illegal trade in wildlife, according to the lab’s supporters. “The forensic laboratory will scientifically investigate and prosecute…