Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, gets appointed as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government after Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who served two terms. Bio, in his inaugural speech, announced his intention to prioritize four critical areas: restoring constitutional order, enhancing democracy, revitalizing regional security cooperation, facilitating economic integration, and establishing institutional legitimacy. Tinubu, who was originally elected in Guinea-Bissau in 2023, was re-elected in Abuja a year later to ensure continued progress towards security, peace, and development goals. In his handover speech, Tinubu thanked the leaders for their trust in him twice as authority chairman.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace treaty to stop decades of fighting in eastern Congo. The accord, facilitated by the United States, allows the US government and American companies to access vital minerals in the region. The agreement is viewed as a crucial step towards peace in the DRC, where millions of lives have been lost due to the unending fight with M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, and with over 100 armed factions since the 1990s. Both countries’ foreign ministers expressed confidence, after the agreement was signed, while emphasizing the importance of doing more to halt the war. Qatar’s assistance in facilitating the accord was also commended.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has signed four tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. The new tax laws aim to reform Nigeria’s tax administration, resulting in enhanced revenue production, an improved business environment, and increased domestic and foreign investment. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has declared that the new tax regime will go into effect on January 1, 2026, after six months of sensitization and planning.
In Kenya, a statewide gathering to honor those slain during last year’s anti-government rallies became chaotic, killing at least 16 people and injuring 400. Police battled with protestors across the country, barricading major routes and restricting access to critical buildings. The planned marches also resulted in clashes between residents and police in towns such as Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu in Kenya. Protesters set fire to judicial buildings in Kikuyu town. Kenya’s communications authority ordered television and radio stations to suspend live coverage of the protests, threatening regulatory punishment if they did not comply.
Mali and Russia signed agreements to boost their economic and commercial relations, including a cooperative agreement on peaceful nuclear energy use. Assimi Goïta, Mali’s interim president, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a five-day visit to Moscow. The talks aimed to deepen bilateral relations and identify potential areas of collaboration, such as geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and humanitarian projects. Goïta complimented Russia for their efficient cooperation and mutual confidence. The talks occurred after the Russian paramilitary organization Wagner left Mali, which had been accused of human rights violations.
Sudan’s Sovereign Council President, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, approved a seven-day humanitarian cease-fire on Friday in El-Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, amid escalating hostilities between Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The ceasefire comes after Burhan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged for a temporary truce to permit relief delivery. El-Fasher, a crucial gateway for humanitarian operations, has suffered an increase in violence since May 2024.
South Sudan officially launched a military court in Wau to investigate alleged wrongdoings by the Defense Forces (SSPDF). This action is viewed as a critical step towards imposing discipline, ensuring justice, and rebuilding trust between security forces and people. General Sten Kamilo Mboro, president of the SSPDF General Court Martial, emphasized the need for accountability at all levels. The court is scheduled to hear 28 cases, including 15 involving heinous offenses such as rape and murder.
The Central African Republic (CAR) announced three days of mourning following a stampede at a lyceum in Bangui, which killed at least 29 people and injured over 260. According to local police, the incident happened while more than 5,000 students were taking final examinations at Barthelemy Boganda High School, due to an electrical explosion, causing fear among them. The majority of the casualties, including 16 girls, died on the scene, while others were confirmed after being admitted to surrounding hospitals.
Ghana approved a debt restructuring package worth $2.8 billion to alleviate its greatest economic crisis in decades. The West African country signed a memorandum of understanding with 25 creditor countries, including China and France, after defaulting on the majority of its external debt at the end of 2022. The restructuring intends to reduce Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio to 55% by 2026 and its debt-service-to-revenue ratio to less than 18% by 2028.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unveiled the Centennial Vision 2060 (CV2060), a 35-year national development plan that aims to transform Somalia into a peaceful, inclusive, and middle-income country by 2060. The strategy focuses on long-term economic growth, improved human capital, inclusive governance, and environmental resilience. Somalia is facing fundamental issues such as civil war, economic disparities, and environmental shocks, with more than 70% of the population surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Despite these challenges, the economy is showing indications of improvement.