Flashpoint: Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud

Flashpoint: Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud

By Arezki DaoudNewsNews Commentary
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Flashpoint: Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud episodes

  • Sahel: Niger Emerges as Key Battleground as JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province Collide

    A defection, a blood feud, and overlapping territorial ambitions are pushing JNIM and the Islamic State Sahel Province into direct competition across western Niger. The outcome around the region of Dosso could determine whether Sahelian jihadist violence stays fragmented — or consolidates into a wider regional arc. #Niger #Sahel #JNIM #IslamicState #WestAfricaSecurity #Terrorism #Dosso #RegionalSecurity

    6 min
  • Egypt's Damietta Port Drone Strike: A Regional Warning

    A drone strike hit Egypt's Damietta Port on July 29, setting fire to the U.S.-owned Energos Winter floating storage and regasification unit and the nearby GasLog Salem. Security sources examining the wreckage say at least two drones were involved, penetrating several layers of Egypt's air defenses in the process. No one was injured. The port stayed open, with Egypt's Ministry of Transport confirming normal vessel traffic and cargo handling across all terminals. No group has claimed responsibility. Those are the facts. What they mean is the more interesting question, and it has several plausible answers.

    7 min
  • It's hot in here: North Africa is baking this summer

    In my trip to Europe last month, I complained a lot about theheatwave I experienced in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. No AC in many places, even in some of the famed establishments. But where I was born and raised, North Africa, the region is living through one of its harshest summers in recent memory. A strong high-pressure system has trapped hot air across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya for weeks, and the consequences have moved well past uncomfortable weather. Power grids are buckling under demand, wildfires are burning across northern Algeria at a pace authorities have rarely recorded, and households and small businesses are absorbing the cost in spoiled food, lost income, and disrupted daily life.

    9 min
  • Nigeria: Beyond Trump's Narrative, Who's Really Targeted Nigeria violence?

    In less than five minute, Arezki Daoud explains why violence in Nigeria cannot be understood through a single religious lens. Christians are targeted, but so are Muslims and many other communities facing insurgency, criminal gangs, and local conflicts. The video provides a factual, balanced context to counter political oversimplifications.#Nigeria #Security #Africa #Geopolitics #Insurgency #Violence #NigeriaNews #Analysis #DavidDaoud #ComplianceStandards #ChristianMuslimRelations #ContextMatters #Flashpoint #ArezkiDaoud


    5 min
  • Russia Evolving Position in Mali: Wagner Out, Africa Corps. In

    In this episode of Flashpoint, we go beyond the headlines to explore Russia’s quiet shift from Wagner to the Africa Corps in Mali. Under pressure from Algeria, Moscow is phasing out mercenaries in favor of a state-run military presence — a move that is raising alarm among Tuareg leaders in the north.We break down how Algeria influenced this transition, what Wagner's legacy leaves behind, and why Tuareg commanders are now cautiously engaging with jihadist groups like GSIM. As Mali’s conflict shifts, Russia’s role is evolving — but not disappearing.Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on the Middle East-Africa region and the Sahel.#RussiaInMali #WagnerGroup #AfricaCorps #MaliCrisis #AlgeriaSahel #Tuareg #GSIM #SahelSecurity #MENAConflicts #FlashpointPodcast #Geopolitics #RussianMilitary #AfricaNews #ConflictZone #SecurityAnalysis

    10 min
  • Sahel, North & West Africa This Week: Security Moves, Energy Strains, and Policy Crossroads

    Week ending 31 May 2025: This week’s roundup covers key developments across North and West Africa: Russia phases out Wagner in Mali, Haftar gains ground in Libya, Mauritania cracks down on migration with EU backing, Guinea cancels over 100 mining permits, Senegal faces record fuel prices despite oil output, Egypt scrambles to manage a deepening energy crisis, and Morocco battles its first major wildfire of the season. For full analysis, visit North-Africa.com and subscribe for weekly regional insights.

    9 min
  • Is Morocco Quietly Preparing for Royal Succession?

    With Morocco's King Mohammed VI facing health issues, the topic of royal

    succession has come to the forefront. This video delves into Morocco's
    succession process, the King's health challenges as reported by foreign
    media, and the rising prominence of key figures like Crown Prince Moulay
    Hassan, advisor Fouad Ali El Himma, and security chief Abdellatif
    Hammouchi. As Morocco prepares for a potential transition, questions
    emerge about the future of the monarchy and the direction the young
    Crown Prince might take. Will Morocco see a shift towards conservatism,
    or will it continue along a path of modernization?
    #Morocco #RoyalSuccession #KingMohammedVI #MoroccanMonarchy #CrownPrinceMoulayHassan #MoroccoNews #NorthAfrica #SuccessionPlanning #RoyalFamily #Monarchy

    10 min
  • The US Africa Policy: Don't Expect Anything New

    U.S. administrations, whether Republican or Democrat, have historically shown limited focus on Africa, prioritizing counterterrorism over development. With recent geopolitical shifts, some are calling for a more balanced approach, emphasizing stability and economic growth over military presence.

    5 min
  • Mali: The Failing Campaign of Wagner in Mali Presages Trouble for the Junta in Bamako

    There have been more chatter and speculations about the

    activities of Russia’s mercenaries, formerly known as the Wagner Group, now reportedly called the Afrika Corps in the Sahel. It is unclear if the name “Afrika Corps” is official, but if so, it certainly confirms that the Russian outfit’s primary focus is indeed on Africa, likely as an arm of Moscow’s Africa policy. For the purpose of this analysis, I
    will continue using the name Wagner. The Wagner gang is active in many Sahelian regions. We have been hearing that a number of its mercenaries withdrew from Burkina Faso to go back to Russia to counter the ongoing
    Ukrainian offensive.

    9 min

About Flashpoint: Geopolitics Simplified by Arezki Daoud

From the publisher's feed

These are simplified commentaries and analyses on geopolitical issues, prioritizing Africa and the Mid-East. Hosted by Arezki Daoud of MEA Risk LLC, Editor of The North Africa Journal.