Author: James Okafor
James Okafor
James Okafor is a defence and security analyst with over 14 years of experience covering sub-Saharan Africa's military affairs, peacekeeping operations, and defence procurement. A former strategic communications consultant for regional security bodies, he has reported from conflict zones across the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region. His analysis has been cited by think tanks including the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) and various NATO-affiliated research institutions. James holds an MA in International Security Studies from the University of Pretoria and a BA in Political Science from the University of Lagos. He specialises in drone warfare, naval modernisation, arms trade dynamics, and the growing role of private military contractors on the African continent.
As Vladimir Putin prepares to host his third Russia-Africa Summit at the end of October, observers are looking at previous summits for clues about how to…
In remote southern Algeria, the Sahara Desert is known for its inhospitable conditions. In the summer, temperatures regularly exceed 51 degrees Celsius. Annual rainfall is under…
Eritrea is seeing its strategic value to regional security and the global economy rise as conflict affects traffic on the Red Sea. Houthi rebel attacks on…
In mid-October, leaders in Ghana’s northern Bawku community celebrated a milestone: 150 days without gun violence in a region beset by a long-running ethnic conflict. Experts…
Ghana is spearheading an effort to stop Russia’s illegal recruitment of young people to fight in its war with Ukraine. Independent tracking agencies estimate 37 African…
Algeria’s decision in August to deploy elements of its military to support Niger’s ruling junta was more than simply a policy shift: It showed that one…
Russia needs manpower to support its invasion of Ukraine and has implemented an elaborate recruitment campaign to lure young Africans to the frontlines. In Zimbabwe, the…
Terrorists historically have been quick to adopt emerging technology. Artificial intelligence is no exception. New research indicates that terrorist groups in Nigeria are using AI to…
A recent fish trade agreement between Somalia and China is being billed as a job-creating initiative that will boost the country’s Blue Economy. But analysts warn…
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was one of seven armed Ethiopian groups that recently formed an alliance aiming to topple the federal government led by…