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Landing another significant punch for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Niger has pronounced its departure from the bloc, citing the community’s damaging economic sanctions. The president, Mohamed Bazoum, described ECOWAS embargoes as an instigator of economic and social suffering. This follows in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso, two nations that recently broke ties with ECOWAS after facing similar punitive measures following coups.

The African Union (AU) is pressing for dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and regions in West Africa plagued by military coups, with specific emphasis on Guinea and Mali. This comes in the wake of military authorities in Mali showing intent to delay anticipated elections until 2026, contradicting ECOWAS’ calls for a swift return to constitutional rule.

The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations was recently in the Central African Republic on an emergency visit amid palpable tension. The visit by such a high-ranking official underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting the people of the Central African Republic during this period of instability.

As the spectre of economic challenges looms large over African economies, Morocco appears to have a considerable edge over South Africa, according to an assessment from the international bond credit rating business, Moody’s Investor Services.

Intense tribal confrontations have surged in the contested region of Abyei, displaying a disturbing increase in violence between the Sudanese communities. The region, a contentious territory located between Sudan and South Sudan, is witnessing a significant rise in tensions as civilians from a pro-government Arab tribe have been targeted, causing them to flee their homes.

Faith Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), addressed an assembly of global leaders in Rome at the ‘Partnering with Africa’ summit, underscoring Africa’s potential to take the helm as a global nexus for the clean energy revolution.

Italian far-right leader, Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday, 29 January, convened an Africa Summit in Rome, a move that many are interpreting as setting a new tone in Italy’s relations with the African continent. Meloni, the head of the Fratelli d’Italia party, has recently gained traction in opinion polls against the current Prime Minister, Mario Draghi.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, three West African countries, have decided to withdraw their membership from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) amidst escalating disagreements over the proposed single currency amendment. The proposed amendment seems to insinuate the preservation of the Francophone currency, a decision that the three nations disagree with.

In concatenating efforts to improve healthcare facilities in Africa, multiple non-governmental bodies have initiated an innovative developmental project with the support of international bodies.

In an ambitious bid to uplift Africa’s agricultural sector and bolster food security, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) have unveiled a new joint initiative. The project, named ‘Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT)’, aims to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce poverty, targeting the termination of hunger across Africa by 2025. The initiative is set in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).