Headline

Top 10 African Countries With The Strongest Military

Published

7 months ago

November 4, 2024

Nigeria, boasting Africa’s largest population and a rapidly advancing defense sector, sits in the fourth position among the countries on the continent with the strongest military forces.

This is highlighted in a recent Global Firepower (GFP) index.

The GFP index measures military strength by evaluating elements such as technological sophistication, defense budget, equipment quality, logistics, natural resources, and force numbers.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest military

1. Egypt

Egypt currently holds Africa’s most powerful military due to its production of cutting-edge technology weapons, its sizable workforce, exceptional naval and aircraft capabilities, and substantial defense budget.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi oversaw a significant upgrade in the country’s military capabilities and weapon modernization. Strong international partnerships boost the armed forces, allowing for increased preparedness and flexibility. Together with its vast resources and connections, the country ranked 15th in the world and first in Africa

2. Algeria

The North African country ranked 26th in the world, and 2nd in Africa acquired the Russian Iskander-E short-range ballistic missile system has been seen for the first time in Algeria, ahead of the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution. This sighting confirms Algeria’s acquisition of the Iskander after years of speculation and marks the first time this missile system has appeared in the arsenal of an Arab country. The Arab country received four regiments of the Iskander-E between 2014 and 2017, comprising around 50 vehicles and 48 missiles per regiment, including 12 launchers, 12 transporter-loaders, 11 command vehicles, and various support vehicles to add to its arsenal in 2024.

3. South Africa

According to the most recent numbers from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), the South African defense sector exported R3.3 billion worth of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to 67 nations worldwide in 2022.

Despite having a relatively small defense budget in contrast to other major African countries, South Africa’s military ranks 33rd in the world and third in Africa. South Africa is known for its cutting-edge equipment and highly skilled soldiers because it uses its resources to maintain a strong military force while prioritizing internal security and peacekeeping activities.

4. Nigeria

Nigeria, ranked 39th in the world and 4th in Africa, is a key player in the security environment of West Africa because of its continuous investment in its armed forces and modernization. Nigeria is actively involved in internal security, especially in the fight against insurgencies in the northeast, and has been crucial in regional peacekeeping.

The country has spent no less than N63.6 billion to procure various equipment and ammunition for the Nigerian military and the Office of the National Security Adviser between January and July 2024. Allotted N11.72bn in 2020, N10.78bn in 2021, N9.64bn in 2022, N47.02bn, and a supplementary budget of N184.25bn in 2023, making a total of N231.27bn.

5. Ethiopia

Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) recently enhanced its defence capabilities by taking delivery of hundreds of Calidus MCAV-20 armored vehicles provided by the United Arab Emirates in 2024.

Ethiopia’s military has a wealth of combat experience thanks to its continuous border disputes with its neighbours despite having a lower defense budget than other highly ranked African countries. Ethiopia, known for its strong ground capabilities, is ranked 49th in the world and 5th in Africa, and its concentration on a powerful land military allows it to successfully address regional security challenges.

6. Angola

Angola’s well-funded military, ranked 55th in the world, prioritizes air and ground defence assets.
The nation’s large investments in updating military hardware are made possible by its huge oil earnings. In June 2024, the county purchased defense logistics vehicles, General Motors Defence light tactical vehicles, and other equipment from the United States. Angola’s military readiness and operational capacity are further enhanced by its comparatively high active manpower numbers.

7. Morocco

Morocco’s military, which is ranked 61st in the world, is highly skilled and well-equipped, with specializations in the ground and air forces thanks to its collaboration with U.S. Security. Morocco’s air force has 255 aircraft, including 83 fighters, 71 training aircraft, two fleets of air tankers, and 70 helicopters. Also, 1,564 tanks, 13,710 military vehicles, 565 self-propelled artillery elements, 306 towed artillery elements and 208 rocket artillery elements.

The United States works closely with Morocco to promote regional stability, and counter-terrorism, with a shared goal of a stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa.

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo received military equipment from Turkey in 2024, shortly after the UN arms embargo was abolished, allowing Congo to purchase weapons on the worldwide market. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rated 73rd in the world, has recently increased its military fleet to meet the demands of its ground forces despite several challenges, such as internal wars and regional instability.

9. Tunisia

Tunisia is ranked 74th in the world with support from the US and the acquisition of the Chinese-made Dongfeng Mengshi CSK-131 armoured tactical vehicles to enable its skilled and well-trained military that prioritizes preserving internal security and combating regional threats.

The Tunisia army has a total of 84 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) including 30 American M60A1 and 54 M60A3. A total of 48 Austrian light tank SK-105 Kürassier armed with a 105mm cannon are also part of the current combat tracked vehicles in service with the Tunisian armed forces.

The military’s dedication to security and stability is essential to Tunisia’s continuous attempts to protect its interests as a nation and promote peace in the region.

10. Sudan

Sudan has received weapons from companies in China, Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the UAE to strengthen its artillery since the crisis escalated in April 2023, according to HRW.

Sudan, rated 76th in the world, has a substantial standing army with extensive ground combat experience as a result of internal conflict and regional instability. Sudan’s military forces’ capacity to undertake both air and ground operations allows them to respond quickly to emerging threats. Despite dealing with complex political and security difficulties, Sudan maintains a significant military presence in the region due to its extensive experience and manpower.

Headline

Nigerian Grandmother Sacked By UK Varsity Over Misplaced Bracelet

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

A 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, Janet Olufunke Damiro, has been dismissed from her cleaning job at the London School of Economics after being accused of stealing a bracelet.

British tabloid newspaper, Metro UK, exclusively reports on Thursday that Damiro, who moved to the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 1971 and had worked at LSE for 13 years, said she simply forgot the gold bracelet in her purse after finding it during her shift and intending to hand it in later.

She returned it three days later when questioned by management, but was still suspended and eventually dismissed in April for gross misconduct.

Damiro said, “I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life.

“LSE have treated me really badly. It was my only job, and I loved working there. I never expected to be suspended or dismissed.

“I did not steal this thing. If I see any items, I always hand them over.

“This is the first time in my life I have had a problem like this since I came to this country. It is really bugging me.”

Metro reports that more than 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have written to LSE management in her defence, insisting on her honesty and professionalism.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” their letter read.

Her trade union, United Voices of the World, in a post on its website last month, appealed the dismissal and criticised the university’s handling of the situation.

Speaking with UVW, Damiro said, “I don’t steal. I’m not a thief. I’ve worked at LSE for over 10 years without any problems. I just forgot. At my age, you can forget like that.

“They look at me like I’m a thief. It’s unfair. I’ve not been myself at all, I don’t sleep at night. I don’t have a job now, but I have to pay my rent and bills. Who’s going to employ me at this age?”

According to Metro, the university has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Meanwhile, LSE students have launched a petition calling for her reinstatement, describing the punishment as “deeply disturbing” for what they believe was a “minor mistake.”

An appeal hearing initially scheduled for May 22 was adjourned, and a new date has been set for later in June.

Headline

Family Kicks As UK Varsity Sacks Nigerian Grandmother

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

The family of Janet Damiro, a 71-year-old cleaner recently dismissed from the London School of Economics, has responded to widespread reports surrounding the incident, describing the online and media narratives as misleading and lacking critical context.

The victim’s daughter, Aina Damiro, in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Friday, clarified the events that led to her mother’s dismissal, stating that the situation has been “blown out of proportion.”

According to her, the incident occurred in February during the final minutes of Janet’s morning shift when she found a bracelet on the floor.

She reportedly picked it up with the intention of handing it in but inadvertently forgot.

She said that the bracelet was left untouched in her coin wallet, which remained in her locker at the university.

“When approached about the bracelet a few days later, she was honest and cooperative.

“She retrieved it immediately and explained what had happened. There was no denial or attempt to hide it,” she said.

The family insists this was a case of forgetfulness rather than theft or misconduct, stressing that Janet had served the institution faithfully for years.

They argued that the university’s decision to terminate her employment was a disproportionate response lacking empathy, especially for an older worker nearing retirement.

The family said, “To see her name and image used to suggest wrongdoing is not only unfair but deeply hurtful.

“This was an innocent mistake that has been misrepresented in a way that raises questions about how older workers, particularly women of colour in lower-paid roles, are treated.”

The family stated that Janet granted the interview to the Metro UK in good faith, hoping to raise awareness, not to be vilified.

“We hope the public and media will reconsider how they are framing this story,” the family added, urging institutions to reflect on their duty to support vulnerable and long-serving members of staff.

The London School of Economics has not issued a formal response as of press time.

The case has since sparked conversation online under hashtags such as #JusticeForJanet and #RespectElderWorkers.

Headline

Myanmar Arrests Six-year-old Girl, 15 Others Over Ex-general’s Death

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

Editor

Myanmar authorities have arrested 16 people including a six-year-old girl over the assassination of a retired general shot dead in Yangon last month, state media said.

A former ambassador to Cambodia, Cho Tun Aung, was gunned down outside his home on May 22 in an attack claimed by an anti-junta group calling itself the “Golden Valley Warriors”.

Myanmar’s military seized power in a 2021 coup, plunging the country into a complex, multi-sided civil war involving pro-democracy guerrillas and resurgent ethnic minority armed groups.

Most fighting is confined to the countryside and smaller towns but grenade and gun attacks on junta-linked targets are regularly reported in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and commercial hub.

The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said 16 members of the Golden Valley Warriors — 13 men and three females — had been arrested in various locations.

Those held include the wife and six-year-old daughter of the suspected shooter, identified as Myo Ko Ko, the state-run newspaper said, without explaining what the girl is accused of.

The report said Myo Ko Ko and another suspect rode to the general’s home on bicycles and shot him before fleeing to a safe house.

The junta has suffered significant territorial setbacks in recent months but analysts say it is far from defeat, with a powerful air force supplied with Russian jets and military backing from China.

AFP