### Clue: Soldier's spirit returned in Africa (5)
### Answer: NIGER 
 ### Explanation: Definition: in Africa
  **Reversal of**(returned) [RE($$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineer, a soldier that builds bridges, etc. in support of the fighters) + GIN(a drink with spirit)]. 
Answer:  A republic in West Africa, and a river thereabouts, and a state in Nigeria, all in Africa.