West Africa’s ECOWAS on Sunday approved an exit timeline for Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso following their decision to leave the bloc after accusing it of “inhumane” sanctions and insufficient security support. This unprecedented move in ECOWAS’ nearly 50-year history highlights ongoing tensions. The three countries are forming their own alliance and planning independent travel documentation systems. Security expert Patrick Agbambu suggests compromises are needed to address the situation, emphasizing the nations’ strategic importance to the region’s economy and security. Their official departure is expected in January, raising questions about visa-free movement within ECOWAS.
The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate for MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for another year, delaying its withdrawal from the eastern provinces. Despite previous calls for the mission’s departure, the Congolese government requested its renewal. This decision ensures that nearly 11,000 peacekeepers will remain deployed until at least December 2025.
Food insecurity in West and Central Africa is worsening, with over 40 million people struggling to feed themselves, a number expected to rise to 52 million by mid-2025, according to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) on Friday. Conflict, displacement, economic instability, and climate shocks, including flooding in Nigeria and Chad, have intensified the crisis, displacing over 10 million people. While food insecurity estimates dropped by 7.7 million from last year due to better rainfall and marginal security improvements, these gains are unlikely to persist. The WFP urges timely funding and investments in resilience-building to address the region’s deepening hunger crisis effectively.
Libya’s rival factions this week agreed to collaborate with the U.N. to resolve the country’s prolonged political deadlock, holding talks in Morocco to form a unity government and implement reforms. The U.N.’s UNSMIL initiative aims to establish an advisory committee to address electoral issues and create a roadmap for long-delayed elections. Libya’s instability stems from the collapse of elections in 2021, rival administrations in the east and west, and armed group competition. U.S. and U.N. officials emphasized the need for a Libyan-led process to unify institutions and promote inclusivity, warning of deeper divisions and violence without decisive action.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $230 million in aid for Sudan on Friday during a U.N. visit, marking the end of his tenure. The package includes $200 million for humanitarian relief and $30 million to support Sudan’s democratic transition, bringing U.S. assistance to over $2.3 billion since conflict erupted in 2023. Civil war broke out between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces, rooted in longstanding rivalries, causing over 24,000 deaths and displacing millions. Blinken’s visit also addressed artificial intelligence and Sudan’s plight, which remains overshadowed by global crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Mozambique’s 2024 economic growth forecast of 4.3% may be revised down due to post-election unrest and Cyclone Chido, according to the IMF on Wednesday. Protests erupted after Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was declared the presidential election winner amid allegations of irregularities, disrupting business operations and trade corridors. The Constitutional Council’s Dec. 23 ruling on the election could escalate violence if Frelimo’s victory is upheld. Economic growth fell from 4.5% in Q2 to 3.7% in Q3, before the unrest began, with further slowing expected in Q4. The IMF predicts modest recovery by 2025 and continues monitoring the crisis with concern over loss of lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Rwandan government declared the Marburg fever outbreak in Rwanda over on Friday after no new cases were recorded in recent weeks. Initially reported on September 27, the outbreak resulted in 66 cases and 15 deaths, predominantly among healthcare workers. With no treatment or authorized vaccine, Marburg’s fatality rate can reach 88%. Rwanda received trial vaccine doses in October, and the last patient was discharged on November 8. However, risks remain, especially from bats, prompting continued monitoring and new strategies. Originating in fruit bats, the Marburg virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Burkina Faso’s junta government on Thursday announced the release of four French nationals accused of espionage, following Morocco-mediated negotiations with France. The French detainees, identified as armed forces members, were arrested in December 2023 in Ouagadougou amid strained France-Burkina Faso relations. After two coups, Burkina Faso expelled French forces and allied with Russia and neighboring Sahel nations—Mali and Niger—forming the Alliance of Sahel States to address regional security crises. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Morocco’s King Mohamed VI for brokering the release, while Morocco highlighted its growing role as a mediator and economic partner in the Sahel and West Africa.
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, were called off on Sunday, according to Angola’s presidency, which has been mediating the discussions. Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s absence and disagreement over direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group were cited as reasons. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, which controls significant territory, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis with over seven million displaced. Rwanda denies the allegations but admits deploying troops in DRC for security. Despite prior ceasefires, clashes persist, intensifying calls for urgent peace efforts to end the suffering.
The Supreme Court of Ghana rejected two legal bids on Wednesday to block the controversial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which punishes LGBTQ+ individuals with jail terms of six months to three years for engaging in sexual acts. Approved by Parliament in February, the bill received widespread public support within Ghana but has been internationally condemned for infringing on LGBTQ+ rights. The court ruled that since outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has not yet signed the bill into law, it cannot be declared unconstitutional.
