The United Nations Security Council authorized the African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Friday, set to replace the larger AU anti-terrorism operation starting Jan. 1, 2025. Somalia’s security has been bolstered by foreign resources since Ethiopia’s 2006 invasion, which ousted an Islamist-led administration and intensified the insurgency, leading to tens of thousands of casualties. The European Union and United States, major funders of AU forces, have pushed for a reduction in peacekeepers due to concerns about long-term financing and sustainability. The U.S. abstained from the U.N. Security Council vote due to these financial concerns, while the remaining 14 members supported the resolution.
Chad has officially taken control of a French military base in Faya, marking a significant step following the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France. French troops have relocated to N’Djamena and will return to France in the coming weeks. This transition aligns with an agreed timeline as Chad seeks to assert its “full sovereignty,” according to its Foreign Minister. Previously, France deployed around 1,000 troops in Chad, providing intelligence and logistical support. The base handover occurs amidst preparations for Chad’s upcoming legislative, provincial, and local elections, signaling a shift in the nation’s military and political dynamics.
At least 6,000 inmates, including 29 convicted terrorists, escaped from a maximum-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday amid post-election riots after Frelimo’s victory was confirmed by the Constitutional Council. Protesters allegedly triggered the escape by breaching a wall during violent demonstrations, prompting prisoners to arm themselves and free others. The unrest has led to widespread looting and infrastructure destruction. Thirty-three prisoners died in confrontations with police and military forces, with 15 injured. Police chief Bernardino Rafael called for the fugitives’ surrender while urging public vigilance. Videos online show prisoners escaping and subsequent arrests as authorities work to regain control.
Since May, over 700 people have been killed and more than 1,100 injured in al-Fashir, North Darfur, amid an 18-month conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, this week. The RSF’s siege, heavy shelling of residential areas, and Sudanese Armed Forces airstrikes have caused extensive civilian casualties and displacement, with attacks potentially constituting war crimes. The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over 12 million people. Recent RSF attacks on al-Fashir’s main hospital and the famine-stricken Zamzam camp have forced thousands to flee, exacerbating the devastation.
French President Emmanuel Macron this week pledged full support for Ethiopia’s debt restructuring during his visit to the country, emphasizing the urgency of completing the process within weeks. Speaking alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Macron commended Ethiopia’s commitment to reform under its $3.4 billion IMF programme. France backs ongoing IMF discussions, with a critical meeting set for mid-January. Macron’s visit follows Ethiopia’s recent agreement with the IMF on the programme’s second review, aiming to address its 3 billion-euro debt efficiently.
Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger escalated this week after Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize his country. Speaking on state media, Tchiani alleged Nigerian complicity in France’s alleged alliance with militant groups to undermine Niger’s security. Nigeria’s officials, including Information Minister Mohammed Idris and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless fabrications. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria, also refuted the claims, emphasizing Nigeria’s history of supporting regional peace. Relations remain strained since the 2023 coup in Niger, with ECOWAS sanctions and threats of intervention.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday announced the closure of all foreign military bases in the country, targeting French troops, the only foreign force with bases in Senegal. The statement, made during a general policy address to the National Assembly, follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s recent declaration that French troops would soon depart. While no timeline was given, the decision reflects growing resistance across West Africa to French military presence, echoing similar moves in Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso. France, facing criticism for its perceived heavy-handed approach in Africa, has not yet responded to Senegal’s announcement.
Nearly 70 migrants died when their boat sank en route to Spain on December 19, according to Mali’s Minister for Malians Living Abroad, Mossa Ag Attaher on Friday. Of the 80 passengers, only 11 survived, including nine Malians. The tragedy underscores the dangers of the Atlantic migration route to Spain’s Canary Islands, one of the world’s deadliest. Many migrants from West African nations like Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania attempt the perilous journey to escape violence, instability, or economic hardship. Several victims hailed from Mali’s Kayes region, where families were unaware of their plans to migrate, reflecting the risks of such journeys.
The World Bank this week approved a $47.7 million International Development Association (IDA) grant for The Gambia’s Public Administration Modernization for Citizen-Centric Service Delivery (PAMP). This five-year Program-for-Results (PforR) initiative is the country’s first and aims to enhance domestic resource mobilization, financial reporting, and human resource management, with a focus on health and education. By tracking financial metrics like the tax-to-GDP ratio and ensuring transparent government expenditures, the program seeks to create fiscal space for improved service delivery. Additionally, it promotes gender equality and climate-responsiveness in public employment. The Ministry of Finance will lead its implementation.
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held discussions in Asmara, Eritrea, emphasizing the importance of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa’s peace. According to the Eritrean Foreign Ministry, the leaders focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing mutual regional and international concerns. They highlighted Somalia’s stability as pivotal to enduring regional peace and explored key agendas to achieve this shared objective.