₦airaland Forum

🇷🇺 Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his blessing to Madagascar’s new leader in a Kremlin meeting Thursday, as Russia continues to expand its influence in Africa.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s interim leader since the former president fled in October following demonstrations - travelled to Moscow weeks after Russia sent military equipment to the island.

Moscow has sought to extend its outreach in Africa where its Wagner paramilitary forces have been active for years and where it rivals European powers, especially France.

Putin told Randrianirina that Madagascar was an “important partner” in Africa.

“I would like to note that we have many interesting areas of cooperation. These include agriculture, geological exploration, energy, medicine, healthcare and education,” the Russian leader said.

“We are ready to develop these ties in the humanitarian sphere and others,” he added.

🇨🇴 Colombian soldiers have become the largest foreign contingent within the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russian military operation.

Approximately 7,000 fighters traveled from Latin America to assist Ukrainians in resisting Russian aggression. These soldiers actively master modern technologies and demonstrate high efficiency in drone operations during combat missions.

The BBC reported this development while analyzing the contribution of international legionnaires to national defense. Experienced military personnel from Colombia mostly arrive in Ukraine at their own expense.

According to Sergeant Luis Ortiz, 1,200 individuals joined his unit in just four months. Most volunteers possess extensive combat experience because the Colombian army follows NATO standards and is considered one of the strongest in its region.

The high intensity of combat operations forces volunteers to adapt quickly to the conditions of a major war. A fighter with the call sign “The Guardian” says he came to defend Ukraine out of a sense of justice.

Currently, he specializes in remote target detection. Despite the initial challenges of facing Russian artillery, Colombians have become a vital part of the defense in difficult sectors, including Avdiivka.

Furthermore, Colombian specialists often face bureaucratic hurdles. Sergeant Ortiz helps newcomers process documents correctly to avoid payment issues.

The command in Kyiv is currently working to centralize foreign units for better coordination. New Ukrainian legislation also simplifies the citizenship process for those who intend to stay in the country after the war.

Stephen0mozzy:
They didn't come to Africa to recruit us by forxe into their army. Let's stop heaping blame on people who simply said "okay" when we chose their wars to legitimately stay in their country.

Why dem norva con carry me go join their army.

Stephen0mozzy:
Respect Soldier. Home calls.

Quite weird how a soldier will "fall off" from a ship sha. Were they under attack? Sea storm? Or was he... You know... Pushed?

Marine Lance Corporal Chukwuemeka E. Oforah was 21. Chukwuemeka Oforah, an infantry rifleman from Florida, was declared dead on Feb. 10 after a 72-hour search and rescue mission failed to find him, the Marine Corps said. He was reported as falling overboard on the evening of Feb. 7.

The Marine Corps said the circumstances surrounded the incident are under investigation.

"We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family," said Col. Tom Trimble. "The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten."

The military says the multi-branch search included five U.S. Navy ships, a rigid-hull inflatable boat, and 10 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

Operation Southern Spear, begun last year, is the Trump administration's military and surveillance campaign with the stated purpose of detecting and disrupting transnational criminal maritime networks, particularly related to drug trafficking.

The operation has led to scores of deaths and the sinking of at least 39 alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

HacheNoire:
Someone is going to tell us soon that Russia needs another democracy.