Angola’s opposition is looking to capitalise on growing dissent against the government, to secure power.

Since January’s coup, the number of attacks has increased by more than 23 percent, compared with the five months before.

Niamey has consistently presented an image of a friendly and reliable partner to the international community.

Mercenaries have become increasingly influential as states across Africa battle with an increase in armed groups.

Human rights groups slam a $156m trial scheme to offload thousands of refugees to Rwanda.

Casualties in the West African state are eclipsing those in its neighbour Mali, the birthplace of the conflict.

Despite Macron’s refusal to admit failure, France’s military intervention in Mali has been controversial.

There have been four coups across West Africa in 18 months amid public collapse of trust in state institutions.

Fears grow that violence that has crippled countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger will spill over further south.