🎬The soap opera that is Trump 2.0

CURRENCIES

THE BIG IDEA
The ECOWAS-Sahel Divorce

On January 29th, the now alliance of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso successfully pulled off a “you can’t fire me, I quit!” on ECOWAS, the economic and political bloc of West African states. The exit of the 3 countries, now collectively dubbed the Alliance of Sahel States followed a year-long suspension which came after the 3 countries had formally notified the bloc of their intent to exit.

Not birds of the same feather anymore. Especially following the series of coups that took place in each of the three countries, starting with Mali in 2021. The two other countries overthrew their civilian governments in 2022 and 2023 respectively. This revolt against what many considered to be governments, heavily influenced by Western countries incited ECOWAS -which is still heavily influenced by the West- to suspend the three countries in January 2024, after they requested to leave.

Sanctions followed, with Niger being the hardest hit. ECOWAS member countries shut their borders to travel, cut off more than 70% of Niger's electricity supply, suspended financial transactions, and froze Niger's assets held by the bloc.

Much like a NASCAR driver…ECOWAS executed a swift U-turn in February 2024. They reversed the sanctions that the bloc had imposed and tried to revamp talks, which the AES rebuffed, making it clear that it intended to be free from Western influence.

A new friend in town.

In the weeks following the suspension, the military leaders of the three countries were seen on multiple occasions with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Russian troops, including the Wagner Group, set up military bases in Burkina Faso. This happened as French and US troops were being shown the door. The resulting vacuum led to a rise in recorded terrorist attacks in the region according to the UN.

Looking ahead: The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States has since issued their first denominated passport, with Capt. Ibrahim Traore receiving the first issue this past Monday. The countries are still allowed to trade and move freely within ECOWAS, but with little expectations of a full return, according to Babacar Ndiaye, an analyst at Wathi Think Tank. -CCS.

TRENDING
Trump wants to take over Gaza, and no one’s down with him

It’s not easy getting China, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt all to agree on something, but President Trump’s proposal to turn Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East” has done just that. In the latest installment of the soap opera that is the Trump 2.0 presidency, top officials from US allies and adversaries alike quickly made their opposition known to Trump’s plan for the US to seize Gaza and displace Palestinians, which he revealed in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. Russia’s ambassador to the UN said the plan is “out of the question,” while UK PM Keir Starmer and several other leaders said they continue to support a two-state solution. Experts say Trump’s proposal is a violation of international law.

SHOWER THOUGHTS

NEWS
Round the continent

• The Netherlands has formally asked Sierra Leone to extradite convicted cocaine kingpin, Jos Leijdekkers.

• Morocco stopped 78,685 migrants from illegally crossing into European Union territory in 2024, up 4.6% from a year earlier.

• Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of Jacob Zuma appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of incitement to violence linked to the July 2021 riots.

• January 2025 was the warmest January ever recorded. Here’s why.