about turn

Nigeria risks another embargo on sale of US military hardware over human rights concerns 

By Dele Yusuf

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on August 2, 2021 10:59

An Afghan pilot stands next to A-29 Super Tucano plane similar to those delivered to Nigeria’s air force.
An Afghan pilot stands next to A-29 Super Tucano plane similar to those delivered to Nigeria’s air force. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

Nigeria’s quest to end a decade-long war against Boko Haram and an additional battle against armed groups (bandits), may have suffered a setback after top US lawmakers reportedly paused approval for further sale of military hardware and attack helicopters due to their concerns over human rights violations in the most populous country in Africa. 

Days after Nigeria received six Super Tucano aircraft whose sale by the United States had been put on hold by the Obama administration over human rights violations, news broke that the US Congress could block approval for the proposed sale of 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and other military hardware to Nigeria after two top lawmakers withheld their approval for the Department of State to proceed with the deal reportedly worth $875m.

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime

More Politics

Sima Gabon Gabon’s transitional Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima in Libreville, 10 September 2023 ©AFP

two year deadline

Premium badgeGabon’s new Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima: ‘I hesitated’ Heading Gabon’s new government, ex-opposition member Raymond Ndong Sima has taken up his post as prime minister of the transition.
Zimbabwe’s new president Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia in 2017. (Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko)

Nepo babies

Premium badgeZimbabwe: Ignoring the party, Mnangagwa selects his friends and family cabinet Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stocked the cabinet with friends and relatives, an official change from his first term.
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu waves at a crowd, during his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja FILE PHOTO: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu waves at a crowd, during his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria, May 29, 2023. ©REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja

Indigenous pressure

Premium badgeNigeria: Court ruling reignites clamour for Abuja’s state-status After Nigeria’s presidential election court ruled that the capital should be treated like a 37th state, Abuja’s original inhabitants are calling for a...
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Cocoa beans are pictured next to a warehouse at the village of Atroni, near Sunyani © FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Cocoa beans are pictured next to a warehouse at the village of Atroni, near Sunyani, Ghana April 11, 2019. Picture taken April 11, 2019. REUTERS/Ange Aboa/File Photo/File Photo – RC2353A8341Z

Not enough

Premium badgeGhana: Cocoa farmers still disgruntled despite hiked price The announcement on 9 September that cocoa price went up from GH¢800 to GH¢1,308 ($113) per bag evoked mixed responses from farmers.