Guinea’s junta chief Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been declared the winner of the presidential election with 86.7% of the vote, as per provisional results from the election commission. His victory aims to legitimize his rule following a coup in 2021, despite opposition claims of electoral irregularities and the barring of major rivals from contesting. Gen Doumbouya’s decision to run, despite earlier promises not to seek election, follows a new constitution that enabled his candidacy. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate the results, amidst allegations of electoral fraud including expulsion of observers and ballot tampering.
Libya confirmed that the UK will analyze the black box from a plane crash in Turkey that killed General Mohammed al-Haddad and other military officials. Transport Minister Mohamed al-Chahoubi announced that Libya and Turkey jointly accepted the UK for the analysis due to neutrality requirements under the Chicago Convention, rejecting Germany’s request for French involvement, as France produced the aircraft. The crash occurred on December 23, 2022, attributed to an electrical failure, killing General Haddad, four aides, and three crew members. The UK has agreed to provide technical and legal support for the investigation, with findings to be disclosed later.
Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema approved a significant government reshuffle as part of the ongoing political transition since he assumed power in 2023, following a coup that ended 55 years of the Bongo family’s rule. Hughes Alexandre Barro Chambrier got appointed as the Vice-President of the Republic, while Hermann Immongault, previously Minister of Interior, now serves as Vice-President of the government, a move widely believed to be a reward for overseeing the recent elections that favored Nguema’s party. Nguema’s new government includes 31 ministers, an increase from 30, with women holding 10 of those positions.
Mali and Burkina Faso have announced a travel ban on US citizens, in a reciprocal response to the travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. The foreign ministers of both countries cited principles of reciprocity and mutual respect, expressing regret for the US decision made without consultation. This announcement follows a similar ban reported by Niger, as reported. All three nations are ruled by military juntas and have recently shifted political alignment towards Russia following strained relations with Western countries. The US had identified these countries, along with South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority passport holders, for full entry restrictions.
A U.N. humanitarian team visited el-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region for the first time since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) striked the city in October, resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement. The team discovered that residents lack food, medical supplies, and shelter. Denise Brown, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator, described the mission as tense and acknowledged the city as a “massive crime scene.” The RSF’s takeover has left an unclear death toll, though investigations continue, including at the Saudi Hospital, where a significant number of casualties were reported. The U.N. aims to establish safe routes for humanitarian assistance amidst ongoing evaluations of the situation.
The Trump administration of the US signed a $480 million public health aid deal with the Ivory Coast, marking a key aspect of its America First Global Health Strategy. This strategy promotes bilateral agreements to enhance US health assistance following changes to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). US Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba highlighted the shift from traditional aid to a model emphasizing trade and shared prosperity. In return, the Ivory Coast has agreed to provide up to $292 million for health funding by 2030.
Somalia is spearheading a growing international opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. The Somali Prime Minister’s office emphasized that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia, condemning Israel’s recognition as unlawful. This stance has been supported by the African Union, Arab League, Nigeria, Egypt, and other countries, citing a threat to global peace and security. Despite Somaliland declaring independence in the 1990s, it lacks international recognition. Somalia has called for Israel to withdraw its recognition.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal announced increased public investments for 2026, focusing on education, health, and water access. In his New Year’s Eve address, he detailed a budget of 62.8 billion CFA francs for new educational facilities, including 2,500 classrooms, and a 91 billion CFA francs boost for health services, aimed at building community health centers and completing the Diamniadio Oncology Hospital. Additionally, he highlighted the Grand Water Transfer Project, set to provide 1.8 million cubic meters of water per day to urban areas.
At least seven people died and dozens are missing after a boat carrying over 200 migrants capsized off the Gambian coast. The incident occurred near a village in the North Bank region around midnight on Thursday. Authorities recovered seven bodies and rescued 96 people, many with serious injuries. A search-and-rescue operation was initiated by the Gambian navy following a distress call, and the boat was later found stranded on a sandbank. Several victims are believed to be of non-Gambian nationality.
