Podcasts about ecowas

Guinea held parliamentary and municipal elections yesterday, its first since the 2021 coup. Nearly seven million voters were reportedly eligible to elect 147 MPs and 342 mayors. President Mamadi Doumbouya's opponents called for a boycott of the process. ECOWAS deployed a 40-member team to observe voting, counting and results as a test of Guinea's democratic transition. For more on this, We spoke to Dr. Tendai Mbanje from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria and an Election Observer

At the beginning of this year Bulgaria, considered as one of the poorest countries in the European Union, became the latest to officially join the eurozone. Bulgaria's legal tender since 1881 had been the lev, but since the mid-1990s it had been pegged to other European currencies, first to the German deutschmark and now to the euro. But it remains to be seen if the country's economic policy can take advantage of the opportunities that joining the single currency can afford, in terms of trade and economic development. Monetary unions are not a new concept, some like the Scandinavian monetary union date back to the 19th Century, involving Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It established a fixed exchange rate system based on the gold standard, whilst member countries still had their own currencies before it was gradually dissolved from the outbreak of World War One onwards. Today, the biggest monetary union is the eurozone, used by around 358 million people across 21 European Union countries. It has one monetary authority for all the members and a standardised currency and coinage. And now the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS is actively planning a monetary union with a common currency called the eco and pegged to the euro. The ambition is for greater economic sovereignty and regional economic integration. But with the US dollar as the world's dominant global reserve currency, even though it's not part of a global monetary union, is there an argument for one currency across all borders and if so, what should it be? So, on The Inquiry this week we're asking, ‘What's the future for monetary unions?'Contributors: Assoc Prof Ralitsa Simeonova-Ganeva, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria Prof Barry Eichengreen, University of California, Berkeley, USA Prof Mohamed Ben Omar Ndiaye, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal Dr Judy Shelton, Senior Fellow, The Independent Institute, California, USAPresenter: Charmaine Cozier Producers: Daniel Rosney and Jill Collins Researcher: Evie Yabsley Editor: Tom Bigwood Technical producer: Toby James Production management: Phoebe Lomas and Liam Morrey(Photo: Euro and US dollar banknotes. Credit: BBC/Corbis Royalty Free)

In this powerful episode of Konnected Minds Podcast, Derrick Abaitey sits down with Shalimar Abbas - the former spokesperson of The New Force political movement - for her FIRST ON-RECORD interview in Ghana since her arrest, detention, and deportation. Shalimar opens up about everything: growing up as the "different kid" in Belgium, winning her first beauty pageant, falling in love with Ghana, her time at GHONE TV, the viral New Force video that changed her life, the call from immigration, 7 days in the National Intelligence Bureau cells, being abandoned by the movement she fronted, her ECOWAS court victory, and her powerful comeback as a diplomatic affairs advisor working with governments across Africa. This is a story of betrayal, faith, resilience, and redemption - and a side of the New Force saga the public has never heard before.

10/16: Gregory Copley examines the instability of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. The region faces increasing jihadist threats and government paranoia regarding French interference. Meanwhile, Chinese influence in Africa is weakening as Russia's African Corps remains active but limited.1920 LABOR DAY JAPAN

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-5-2026.1920 HONG KONG1/16: Liz Peek discusses the strong American economy, noting low unemployment and an AI-driven boom despite oil price spikes from the Iran war. While concerns about plummeted savings exist, record stock market highs and a robust labor market sustain growth. Peek also addresses political resistance to AI development.2/16: Liz Peek reflects on the successful American visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, noting the public's rehabilitated view of the royal couple. Despite past controversies, their visit reaffirmed the special relationship, and American affection for the British monarchy remains strong, reflected in high television ratings.3/16: Grant Newsham explores Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's diplomatic mission to Vietnam and Australia to counter Chinese aggression. Takaichi is shifting Japan from purely economic influence toward a professional military posture. This approach is welcomed by Southeast Asian nations facing maritime bullying from China.4/16: Rich Goldberg outlines a "blockade plus" strategy to bankrupt the Iranian regime by cutting off oil and petrochemical revenues. This economic pressure aims to spark internal fractures and popular uprisings. Goldberg also advocates for expanding Middle Eastern pipeline infrastructure to bypass the Strait of Hormuz permanently.5/16: Ivana Stradner reports that Vladimir Putin is living in a bunker, fearing a coup as he loses on the battlefield. To maintain control, the Kremlin has implemented severe internet blackouts and banned Western social media. Stradnersuggests the West should provide Russians with more VPN systems.6/16: Ivana Stradner discusses how American jazz symbolizes freedom and individualism, making it a threat to repressive regimes. Historically used as a "non-nuclear weapon" during the Cold War, jazz's improvisational nature counters state propaganda. She argues the U.S. should revitalize this tool to reach those lacking freedom.7/16: Hussein Abdul-Hussein introduces Ali al-Zaydi, a political newcomer nominated for Iraqi Prime Minister by the Shia coordination framework. Al-Zaydi, a wealthy contractor, follows a pattern where "no-ones" are chosen when powerful factions cannot agree. Iraqi voters are increasingly favoring patriots over pro-Iran candidates.8/16: Hussein Abdul-Hussein explains that the United States remains the biggest player in Iraq, wielding significant influence over leadership choices and economic policy. Washington is currently pushing to move Iraq from a cash-based to a digital economy to prevent Iran from siphoning funds and to ensure financial transparency.9/16: Gregory Copley highlights a major defense contract between Japan and Australia, involving the sale of Mogami-class frigates. The two nations are cooperating to bypass China's monopoly on rare earth processing and energy supply chains. This partnership builds on a long history of strategic trade.10/16: Gregory Copley examines the instability of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. The region faces increasing jihadist threats and government paranoia regarding French interference. Meanwhile, Chinese influence in Africa is weakening as Russia's African Corps remains active but limited.11/16: Gregory Copley reports that Iran is effectively under a military government led by General Vahidi, as Ayatollah Khamenei remains incapacitated. Simultaneously, China's Xi Jinping faces internal strife and energy shortages, while India maintains a strategic, non-aligned posture between the United States, Russia, and the People's Republic of China.12/16: King Charles III visited the United States and Bermuda, receiving bipartisan acclaim in Congress for his defense of constitutional checks and balances. Despite health concerns, the King successfully revitalized the special relationship and was lauded by a Bermuda rabbi for his family's historical protection of Jews. Gregory Copley reports.13/16: Thaddeus McCotter analyzes how high gasoline prices and economic disruptions from the Iran conflict influence midterm elections. He notes that while minority parties usually have messaging advantages, the lack of clear strategic military objectives and persistent inflation create significant uncertainty for American voters and global markets.14/16: Thaddeus McCotter argues that while Wall Street performs well, the average worker remains anxious about healthcare, interest rates, and student loans. He describes the current economy as fragile and warns that failing to address these underlying domestic anxieties could lead to political repercussions during the midterm elections.15/16: Jack Burnham details the rare extradition and indictment of a Chinese national, Mr. U, for state-sponsored hacking. Operating under "Silk Typhoon," the group targeted American COVID-19 research. This operation demonstrates China's strategy of using private actors to steal scientific excellence and prepare the digital battlefield.16/16: Jack Burnham discusses how Chinese commercial satellite firms provide the IRGC with high-resolution imagery to direct attacks against American assets. He differentiates this from the state-led surveillance of the Chinese balloon incident over U.S. missile silos, emphasizing China's broad campaign to disrupt American societal morale.

In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group's deputy Sahel director Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim to discuss a major wave of coordinated attacks by the al-Qaeda affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg rebels across Mali. They examine how the offensive unfolded, including the killing of Mali's defence minister and the fall of the strategic northern city of Kidal. They discuss the nature of the renewed cooperation between JNIM and Tuareg separatists, JNIM's goals and evolving tactics, and what the attacks mean for the junta's hold on power and Russia's role as Bamako's security partner. They also look at how, on one side, the Burkina Faso and Niger military authorities and, on the other, coastal West African states are responding amid strained relations between the Sahel's military-led governments and ECOWAS and consider where the crisis may be headed.Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more, check out our report “Understanding JNIM's Expansion Beyond” the and our Mali page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investors are flocking to African residency and citizenship programs before they increase in price. In this video, you'll learn about the 8 active African residency by investment programs available today,. The case for looking here at all: pricing at a third of the global floor, ECOWAS settlement rights across 15 West African states, and some programs that could eventually unlock Schengen access.Read the full story with more details here.

8. Jihadist Threats to Congolese Mining Guest: Caleb Weiss. Caleb Weiss reports on an Islamic State attack targeting a Chinese-owned mine in Congo, led by a violent Tanzanian commander. Meanwhile, Nigeria struggles with internal instability as regional alliances like ECOWAS continue to fracture. (8)1871 UK IRONCLAD GLATTON

In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit Dorothea Biaback Anong (TU Berlin) über Migrationsregime und Freizügigkeitspolitiken in drei globalen Kontexten: Mercosur, EU und ECOWAS. Wir sprechen über die methodische Umsetzung des Forschungsprojektes in diesen drei Regionen. Außerdem teilt Dorothea anschließend mit uns die interessanten Ergebnisse aus ihrer Dissertation „Decentering Europe - Comparing Selectivity in Regional Migration Regimes“. Entlang der Ergebnisse zeigt sie auf, warum Europa in unserem Nachdenken über Migration dezentralisiert werden sollte, welche unterschiedlichen Selektionsmechanismen sich für Immigration in den drei Regionen zeigen und wie sich die Unterschiede erklären lassen.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS early last year – and the subsequent formation of  the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – has posed a critical challenge for regional cooperation, particularly on security. According to the Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel is the "epicentre of terrorism" and rising insecurity is compounded by stalled progress on core issues including the right of hot pursuit, joint military operations, intelligence sharing and tackling illicit finance.  Following a panel event on West African security with Ghana and Nigeria's foreign ministers at Chatham House, Paul Ejime and Paul Melly join the podcast to discuss the ministers' call for local security solutions in the region.  The panel event formed part of the Chatham House Africa Programme's ongoing work on African peace and security. The Programme will shortly launch a new project focused on regional conflict systems in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and Central Africa.

A new border dispute is erupting as Liberia and Sierra Leone accuse Guinean troops of crossing into their territory to seize land. Guinea denies this, stating its recent military deployments are defensive. Regional leaders are now seeking a diplomatic solution. In this AfricaLink episode, Lucy Riley speaks with Liberian activist Martin Kollie and DW's Evelyne Kpadeh in Monrovia

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, YUSUF TUGGAR with his Ghanaian counterpart, SAMUEL ABLAKWA sat down with me at Chatham House to explore the complex security dynamics in West Africa, including threats from terror groups, regional cooperation efforts, and the importance of self-reliance and local solutions. Both ministers refuted suggestions that ECOWAS had been severely weakened by the exit of the three Sahelian states - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (AES). They revealed that there is regular contact with the AES and security arrangements are being made with their involvement.Earlier in the day, I had a 1+1 with Minister Tuggar and we delved deeper into Nigeria's regional security responsibilities and, more broadly, its approach to foreign policy. Key Topics:The proliferation of weapons and increasing attacks in the region, claiming at least 44 lives dailyThe role of regional military structures like the multinational joint task force and efforts to update security architecturesThe evolution of the ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing and challenges faced by previous frameworks like the Accra InitiativeDiplomatic efforts to rebuild trust among countries in the Sahel, notably Nigeria's and Ghana's bilateral relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and NigerThe importance of framing security issues as transnational violent extremism, not solely religious warfareThe need for regional ownership of security strategies, emphasising Nigeria's leadership and contributionsAddressing root causes such as governance deficits, unemployment, and local economic development like infrastructure projectsThe global implications of regional insecurity, including energy markets and potential recession risksTimestamps:00:00 - The regional security crisis in West Africa and the need for multilateral collaboration00:36 - The daily toll of attacks and the impact on regional stability0:50 - Challenges of failed states, ungoverned spaces, and the epicenter of terror in the Sahel2:00 - Existing security architectures, including hot pursuit frameworks and cross-border cooperation3:42 - The evolving ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing4:00 - The decline of the original Accra Initiative and political suspicions around regional efforts5:12 - Deployment of troops and the strategic approach to tackling insurgency6:36 - The importance of framing violent extremism beyond religious narratives7:22 - Nigeria's bilateral and regional security efforts and regional cooperation via ECOWAS8:52 - The cooperation among Sahelian countries and Nigeria's engagement strategies9:08 - The significance of regional solutions led by African countries, avoiding externally imposed frameworks11:35 - The success of regional-led peacekeeping models like ECOMOG and local solutions12:40 - Challenges of cross-border conflicts like farmers versus herders and the need for coordinated approaches13:19 - Funding security efforts and Nigeria's role in financing regional peace and stability14:14 - The strength of ECOWAS despite perceptions of weakening, and Nigeria's historical leadership15:34 - Nigeria's contributions to anti-colonial struggles and continental leadership recognition16:58 - Addressing root causes: governance, unemployment, and infrastructure development19:36 - Misunderstandings of Nigeria's security situation in the West and global perceptions20:15 - The impact of global energy markets and the war in the Gulf on Africa's economy21:17 - Mitigation strategies if critical regions like the Strait of Hormuz are compromised, including oil refinery developmentsResources & Links: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kotun ECOWAS ta koka kan alƙaluman da suka nuna cewar cikin shekaru 25, wato tun bayan da ta fara aiki a shekarar 2001, hukunce-hukunce gud 10 kaɗai Najeriya ta mutunta, 66 da ta yanke. Shugaban Kotun ta ECOWAS Ricardo Claudio ne ya bayyana alƙaluman yayin buɗe taron masu ruwa da tsaki da babbar ƙotun ƙungiyar ƙasashen ta Yammacin Afrika a Najeriya. Domin jin yadda masana ke kallon lamarin, Nura Ado Suleiman ya tattauna da Barista Abubakar Mujitafa Gagare, ƙwararren lauya da ke Najeriya. Latsa alamar sauti don jin yadda tattaunawar ta gudana...

Makala hii imeangazia kutomia kwa mwaka mmoja tangu waasi wa AFC/M23 waudhibiti mji wa Goma, Rwanda yaishitaki Uingereza kuhusu mkataba unaohusu wakimbizi, mapigano yashuhudiwa huko Sudan, na katika ukanda wa Afrika magharibi tumeangazia shambulio la watu wenye silaha katika uwanja wa ndege wa Niamey, ECOWAS yaiondolea vikwazo nchi ya Guinea, na tishio la Marekani kuishambulia Iran na mengine zaidi. 

Yau ake cika shekaru biyu da ficewar ƙasashen Nijar da Mali da kuma Burkina Faso daga cikin ECOWAS, KO CEDAEO, biyo bayan matsin lambar ƙungiyar ta yi musu saboda juyin mulkin da sojojinsu suka yi, da kawar da matsalolin da suka zargi gwamnatociin da suka hamɓarar da gaza magancewa. Domin tsokaci kan halin da ƙasashen na AES ke ciki, shekaru biyu bayan matakan da mahukuntansu suka ɗauka, Nura Ado Suleiman ya tattauna da Abdel Nasser Saidu ɗaya daga cikin wakilan kungiyoyin farraren fula a Nijar..

ECOWAS rejects Guinea-Bissau transition, warns of sanctions - Collins Nweke. by Radio Islam

Today's episode is pure midweek chaos, starting with the team reacting to a string of resurfaced Diddy clips and industry rumours. From 50 Cent's trolling to Ray J's wild claims, the room breaks down the strange energy around celebrity culture and the uncomfortable truths hiding in plain sight. The cast bounce between humour, suspicion and cultural commentary as they unpack the power dynamics of the music industry.The conversation then shifts into African geopolitics as the team dissect a dramatic video explaining how France and Nigeria allegedly shut down a coup in Benin in just a few hours. The discussion becomes a deeper look at Western influence, African sovereignty, the role of ECOWAS, electricity dependence, oil politics and whether the story itself is exaggerated for online engagement.The show closes with a thoughtful Topic of the Day, asking whether humans have any responsibility for the survival of our species. The cast debate purpose, procreation, religion, capitalism, individual choice, community, overpopulation, and whether having children is a duty or a personal decision. It becomes an unexpected philosophical moment after a morning of madness.A funny, fast moving and surprisingly reflective episode with classic TDA energy throughout.

Editors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss the deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, plus more on  a general strike in Italy, elections in Libya and Chile and an ECOWAS meeting on Guinea-Bissau.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode includes work from Factal editors Vivian Wang, Alex Moore, Theresa Seiger, David Wyllie and Hua Hsieh. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lovaas. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we've missed? Drop us a note: hello@factal.comWhat's Factal? Created by the founders of Breaking News, Factal alerts companies to global incidents that pose an immediate risk to their people or business operations. We provide trusted verification, precise incident mapping and a collaboration platform for corporate security, travel safety and emergency management teams. If you're a company interested in a trial, please email sales@factal.com. To learn more, visit Factal.com, browse the Factal blog or email us at hello@factal.com.Read the full episode description and transcript on Factal's blog.Copyright © 2025 Factal. All rights reserved.

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Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia after deadly clashes, The Supreme Court weighs Trump's power to fire an FTC official, ECOWAS deploys forces after a foiled coup attempt in Benin, China's trade surplus tops $1 trillion, The U.S. deports over 50 Iranians in a second flight under a new deal, Nigeria frees 100 abducted schoolchildren, Syria marks the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad government, Over 100 UK MPs demand binding AI regulations amid government delays, Paramount launches a $108 billion bid for Warner Bros. amid a Netflix deal, A report finds that disability registrations are surging at elite US universities, and Iran arrests two marathon organizers over unveiled women runners. Sources:  Verity.News  

Today's episode starts with a wholesome clip on fathers and sons, using a simple social media trend to open up a wider talk about affection, Black dads and how love is shown to boys as they grow older. From there the team dive into a serious African headline: a major reparations conference in Algiers where over 40 African nations and Caribbean delegates agree the Algiers Declaration, framing colonialism as a multi dimensional crime and pushing for it to be recognised as a crime against humanity, with calls for a continent wide claims body and the return of stolen artefacts. That flows into a raw breakdown of France's role on the continent, the Benin coup attempt, George Galloway's viral clip, ECOWAS, Tinubu, and why so many African leaders are still seen as puppets when it comes to Western power and military decisions.Headlines move from Kemi Badenoch demanding a nationwide grooming gangs inquiry that actually looks at ethnicity and religion, to a cutting edge gene edited T cell therapy that is putting aggressive leukemia into remission in children and adults, and what that could mean for future cancer treatment. The Topic of the Day closes the show on a big ethical question: if you could choose the gender of your child, would you and should you. The room unpack everything from “designer baby” culture, gender reveals, cultural pressure for boys, parents who only want one gender, medical exceptions and what it means for a child to grow up knowing they were a preference not just a blessing. It is an honest, nuanced conversation about control, morality and how far we should go when technology makes selection possible.FOLLOW: THE DAY AFTER► X: https://x.com/TheDayAfterTNB► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thedayaftertnb/► TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedayaftertnb► YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDayAfterTNB► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vkTPwat1n6y7l3MOfjQcf?si=0e7daa6ca317441e ► PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/cw/THENEWBLXCK► DISCORD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.com/invite/thenewblxck► WEBSITE: https://thenewblxck.com► STORE: https://thenewblxck.store► DILEMMA? https://www.thenewblxck.com/dilemma► EMAIL: thedayafter@thenewblxck.com► CLICK HERE TO GET SHARES IN THE NEW BLXCK - https://app.seedlegals.com/en/pitch/c_VoSPUCwhTo/The-New-BlxckANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY? PLEASE CONTACT: brent@thenewblxck.com

The military seizes power in Guinea-Bissau - a day before Sunday's presidential election results were due to be announced. The African Union and West African regional bloc Ecowas have condemned the coup. Why has it happened - and what are the implications? In this episode: Kabir Adamu - Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Bram Posthumus - Political and economic analyst specialising in West Africa and the Sahel region Ovigwe Eguegu - Peace and Security Policy Analyst at the consultancy Development Reimagined Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

China has funded, designed, and built more than 200 government buildings across Africa, including the headquarters of the African Union and Ecowas, foreign ministry annexes in Ghana and Kenya, and at least 15 national parliaments. Eric and Cobus speak with Innocent Batsani-Ncube, an associate professor of African politics at Queen Mary University of London and author of the new book China and African Parliaments. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, Batsani-Ncube explains how China's parliamentary construction boom works, why African governments welcome it, and what he calls "subtle power"—a form of elite-level influence that sits between soft and sharp power.

China has funded, designed, and built more than 200 government buildings across Africa, including the headquarters of the African Union and Ecowas, foreign ministry annexes in Ghana and Kenya, and at least 15 national parliaments. Eric and Cobus speak with Innocent Batsani-Ncube, an associate professor of African politics at Queen Mary University of London and author of the new book China and African Parliaments. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, Batsani-Ncube explains how China's parliamentary construction boom works, why African governments welcome it, and what he calls "subtle power"—a form of elite-level influence that sits between soft and sharp power.

The Sahel stands at a crossroad, it is torn by crisis, instability, and shifting power. Join Dr. Jessica Moody and Dominic Bowen as they dive deep into the region's unfolding humanitarian emergency. What does ECOWAS's withdrawal mean for the people? How is Russian influence rewriting the rules? And why are jihadist groups gaining ground? From Bamako's frontlines to the corridors of power, this is your inside look at the struggles shaping the Sahel's future!Dr. Jessica Moody is a political risk, due diligence and peacebuilding consultant in West Africa. She conducts open source and on the ground research into political, economic and security developments in West Africa and provides timely forecasts as well as scenario planning to clients, enabling them to better plan their operations. She also provides detailed insights into key personalities across West Africa, to enable businesses to understand power structures and who they should prioritise engagement with.Jessica has worked in and on West Africa for more than a decade, during which she has consulted for an array of organisations ranging from S&P Global to Horizon Engage to the United States Institute of Peace. Having spent time living and working in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali, she has an extensive range of local contacts in government and the private sector across the region. Jessica has a BA hons degree in History from the University of Nottingham, an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a PhD in War Studies, focusing on Cote d'Ivoire from King's College London. She is the author of Life After War: Lessons in Human Centered Peacebuilding from Cote d'Ivoire (London, Bloomsbury) – forthcoming in May 2026.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for our updates!Tell us what you liked!

ECOWAS plans to launch a regional currency by 2027, despite past delays and ongoing hurdles. The pledge was made at the Sahel government forum in Gambia. Will it finally happen?

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been removed from Ghana's delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, despite the Minority initially presenting him as part of the team.

Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally declined her inclusion in Ghana's reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, describing the decision as procedurally improper and politically divisive

#ECOWAS: IN FAILURE. GREGORY COPLEY, DEFENSE & FOREIGN AFFAIRS

In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group's president, Comfort Ero, and Sahel director Jean-Hervé Jezequel. He first speaks with Comfort about her recent visit to Mali's capital, Bamako, and her reflections on the diverging political trajectories of Sahelian countries. Richard then turns to Jean-Hervé for a closer look at Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after breaking away from the regional bloc ECOWAS last year. They examine the sovereignty narrative promoted by the military regimes and the risk of growing public frustration as economic and security conditions stagnate. They also talk about the jihadist coalition JNIM, which has stepped up attacks on towns and cities in the region. They explore the group's goals, leadership and the, for now, seemingly remote prospect of talks as military leaders prioritise military operations. Finally, they touch on how the AES countries' foreign relations may evolve amid shifting regional dynamics.For more, check out our EU Watchlist entry “Defining a New Approach to the Sahel's Military-led States” and our Sahel project page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospital services in Ghana grind to a halt after a nurses' strike escalatesWhat are the implications of Afreximbank's credit rating being lowered to one notch above junkAnd will Ecowas ever realise its dream of a borderless region?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Merger control and antitrust enforcement continues to develop rapidly in Africa. What is happening in the key jurisdictions of Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria and COMESA? John Oxenham, lawyer at Primerio, and Nicolas Bremer, lawyer at Bremer, join Matthew Hall to discuss developments. Listen to this episode to learn more about the status of African antitrust and merger control enforcement generally and these jurisdictions specifically. With special guests: John Oxenham, partner, Primerio and Nicolas Bremer, partner, Bremer Related Links: COMESA Competition Commission website ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority website Egyptian Competition Authority website The Competition Commission website (South Africa) Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission website (Nigeria) Hosted by: Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP

Join us this Thursday morning for an enlightening experience with the Master Teacher, Ashra Kwesi. Brother Kwesi will delve into the story of the Resurrection from a Kemetic perspective, revealing how many narratives surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection have deep roots in the traditions of our ancestors. He will also explore intriguing rituals associated with Easter, including the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs, shedding light on their significance and origins. Before Brother Kwesi’s presentation, we’ll hear from Lincoln University Professor Gnake Lagoke, who will provide critical updates on the recent developments in the Sahel nations and ECOWAS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Somalia offers the US full control over the airbase and port of Berbera in SomalilandThe juntas in West Africa impose tariffs on imported goods from Ecowas countries - what effect will this have.Can music cheer up Sierra Leone - reportedly one of the most unhappy places on the globe? Rapper Drizilik thinks so.Presenter: Wahiga Mwaura Producers: Bella Hassan, Daniel Dadzie and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

In January, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, having already established the Alliance of Sahel States, or AES, as an alternative regional grouping. The move has had a multitude of consequences, including ongoing diplomatic spats between the AES states and those that remain committed to ECOWAS, as well as challenges to trade and freedom of movement across the region. But the security implications of the fracturing of ECOWAS as a regional bloc are also important to consider, as West Africa faces an array of challenges that are increasingly affecting what are usually thought of as the region's more stable coastal countries, such as Senegal, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. All three of the military-run AES states face long-running jihadist and domestic insurgencies, including armed groups with links to the Islamic State and al-Qaida. Most prominent among them are the Islamic State-Sahel Province and Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, or JNIM, which is affiliated with al-Qaida and is also active in northern Cote d'Ivoire, Benin and Togo. These groups have been active throughout the Sahel for over a decade, typically exploiting local grievances and intercommunal tensions, particularly between farmers and pastoralists as well as against the Peuhl community, which is often portrayed as being sympathetic to the jihadists. The jihadists mobilize these tensions to stoke conflict and recruit among marginalized communities in a broader effort to seize territory and create an Islamic caliphate in the Sahel and West Africa. These groups have targeted civilians and government forces alike, and their attacks have often been tactically sophisticated and significant in impact. In August 2024, for instance, an attack by JNIM in Barsalogho, in northern Burkina Faso, killed around 600 people. And in November 2023, an ambush in Niger's Tillaberi region killed at least 200 soldiers and wounded at least 34 others. Jihadist violence has increased at an accelerating rate in recent years, killing 11,643 people across the Sahel in 2023, a 43 percent increase from the previous year and a threefold increase since 2020, according to the African Centre for Strategic Studies. It has also increasingly spilled over into coastal West African states, with Ghana, Togo, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire all now threatened by these groups as well, albeit to a much lesser extent than the Sahelian states. In Togo, an attack on an army barracks last year killed 12 soldiers, for instance, and JNIM is increasingly fortifying its positions near the borders of Togo and Benin. The problems posed by insecurity are exacerbated by the refugee crisis that violence in the Sahel is causing. By early 2025, nearly 87,000 people had fled their homes in the Sahel into coastal countries. This has put a strain on local communities, especially in Cote d'Ivoire, where nearly 58,000 of the refugees have fled. The rampant insecurity has also fueled political instability, with the three AES states having experienced a combined five coups between 2020 and 2023. The ECOWAS split could exacerbate many of these security challenges, not least because it has created or exacerbated tensions between many countries that have remained in ECOWAS and those that have left. In the past 12-18 months, for instance, Cote d'Ivoire, known as a staunch defender of ECOWAS, and neighboring Burkina Faso have engaged in repeated diplomatic spats linked to mutual fears of destabilization as well as Burkina Faso's rejection of the region's and ECOWAS' historical pro-Western leanings. Gun battles and disputes at the border between Burkinabe and Ivoirian troops have become common, with Ivoirian gendarmes having even been detained in Burkina Faso. Earlier this year Burkina Faso withdrew its diplomatic personnel from Cote d'Ivoire. These disputes have increased instability on the two countries' shared border, exacerbating tensions driven by an inflow of Burk...

The Ecowas countries are aiming to roll out a regional single currency - the Eco - in 2027. But past launch dates have come and gone, so will they meet the new target date and will a single currency work?Malawi's agriculture minister refutes the claim that a global decline in tobacco use is affecting farmers in the country. But is his government also helping tobacco farmers to diversify?And South Africa is running out of snake antivenom. What does that mean not only for South Africa, but other countries on the continent?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Sunita Nahar and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Three West African countries - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso - have finalized their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Another thing they have in common? All three countries are under junta rule after military coups that took place in recent years. They have since formed their own union - the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).   Why have these three countries exited ECOWAS, and is this a crisis point for the regional bloc? Catherine Nzuki is joined by Beverly Ochieng, Senior Analyst for Francophone Africa at Control Risks, and a Senior Associate with the CSIS Africa Program, to unpack these questions and more.   They discuss the state of politics and security in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso (1:30); why the leaders of these military juntas are popular at home and across Africa (4:40); what drove the decision to exit ECOWAS and what this means for unity in the region (7:37); how the AES is using arts, culture, and media to self-legitimize; (20:00); how the pan-African, decolonial rhetoric of the leaders of AES is translating into their governance choices (24:11); if the AES confederation is strong enough to weather rough international winds on their own (28:49); the state of Africa's legacy institutions today and how responsive they are to shifting regional politics and the collapsing post-WWII order (37:15).

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has withdrawn its mediation team from Guinea Bissau. Its mission was to help reach a political consensus on the elections, which were postponed by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. So will voting, pushed back to later this year, still go ahead?A BBC investigation finds that young women in Kenya are being lured into sexual exploitation on TikTok. Is the social media platform doing enough to keep users safe?And former South African football star, Benni McCarthy, is Kenya's new head coach. Is the appointment of Africans to lead African teams now an established trend?Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Erin & Jake break down Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, and who these tariffs actually punish in the end. Then they look at the meeting of European leaders in Brussels to iron out some defense spending things before Trump's Tariff Train comes to town. They close out the big stories talking through what it means that military-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger just left ECOWAS, and its impact on West African politics. Then in Have You Heard headlines, they go through the rest of the week's stories to keep you in the know about what else is happening out there in the world. This podcast turns into an article summary at each week's episode over on Substack. We'd love for you to subscribe! You can also follow us on Instagram (@staywithmeherepod), Facebook, or Bluesky (@swmhpod.bsky.social).Stay With Me Here is an independent project, and all views and opinions expressed in this show, and in this writeup, represent our personal views and not that of any organization we're affiliated with. Erin Flanagan is a former U.S. Coast Guard intelligence officer and Agence France-Presse digital investigations journalist.Jacob Shropshire is an editorial intern at Worldcrunch and the managing editor of Peacock Media at the American University of Paris. He spent two years working for Democratic political campaigns in the US.

Despite Europe's largest economy shrinking again in 2024, Sam Fenwick hears from the boss of toymaker Ravensburger, which is bucking the wider trend. Plus, what does leaving ECOWAS mean for Mali's economy? We ask a former foreign minister. Also, an American business lobbyist gives her take on whether or not President Trump will introduce tariffs on 1 February.

#AFRICA: ECOWAS crumbles; Rwanda attacks; Africa Alone. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs 1962 Rwanda

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the official exit of three west African nations from the ECOWAS group.

As 2025 begins, Africa confronts significant challenges to its growth and development. Instability in the Sahel highlights the waning influence of ECOWAS and France's diminished military presence, while conflicts in Eastern DRC are intensified by Rwanda and Uganda's backing of the M23 rebel group. In Sudan, the U.S. has recognized the severity of the crisis through a genocide declaration and sanctions, but doubts linger about its long-term commitment. Meanwhile, Mozambique grapples with an insurgency in Cabo Delgado and election-related violence, further adding to the continent's volatility. These pressing issues await the incoming Trump administration, as U.S. policy toward Africa continues to struggle with a gap between rhetoric and action. Addressing this requires a practical approach—one that engages flexibly with Africa's diverse governments and navigates the complexities of the continent's evolving geopolitical landscape. Such a shift is vital to effectively tackling Africa's challenges and capitalizing on its opportunities. Mvemba and Julian Pecquet, United States correspondent for the Africa Report, examine the complexities of U.S.-Africa relations amid pressing geopolitical challenges and a transition to a new U.S. administration. The discussion underscores Africa's growing strategic importance, shaped by both its crises and opportunities.

Join us for an insightful session with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jerome E. Fox, returning to our classroom! Dr. Fox is the author of the acclaimed workbook, "Addicted to White: The Oppressed in League with the Oppressor - A Shame-Based Alliance," where he reveals the antidote for overcoming this addiction. Before Dr. Fox takes the mic; Central Florida Investigative Reporter Jeff Gallop will provide updates on his latest stories and engage us in a vital conversation about national politics. We’ll also hear from Dr. Gnaka Lagoke, a respected Lincoln University professor who will discuss the ongoing rift between the Sahel nations and certain ECOWAS countries. The Big Show starts at 6 am ET, 5 am CT, 3 am PT, and 11 am BST Listen Live on WOL 95.9 FM & 1450 AM, woldcnews.com, the WOL DC NEWS app, WOLB 1010 AM or wolbbaltimore.com. Call 800 450 7876 to participate on The Carl Nelson Show! Tune in every morning to join the conversation and learn more about issues impacting our community. All programs are available for free on your favorite podcast platform. Follow the programs on Twitter & Instagram and watch your Black Ideas come to life!✊

Argentina, for a long time one of the world's most troubled economies, has seen its economy grow. Could this be the end of years of economic crisis? We'll take a look at whether that growth is sustainable and delve into how much of it is to do with the radical policies of the country's president Javier Milei. Also today, we consider what the future holds for the ECOWAS trading bloc in West Africa, as three countries formally file to leave.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of The Horn, guest host Murithi Mutiga is joined by Hanna Tetteh, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa. They discuss the challenges of peacemaking in Africa amid regional conflicts and a shifting global order. They talk about the state of the African Union and how it can become more effective in resolving conflicts across the continent. They discuss why mediation efforts have yielded little success in Sudan and ways to strengthen diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict. They discuss ECOWAS as a model for regional integration and how the West African bloc can preserve unity amid recent tensions with Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. They touch on the implications of a second Trump presidency on UN funding and U.S.-Africa policy. They also reflect on Ghana's successful transition from military rule to a stable democracy. This episode is produced in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.For more on the topics discussed in this episode, check out our Hold Your Fire! podcast episode Trump in Africa, and our Africa program page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#ECOWAS: In crisis  in transition from democracy to the unknown. Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECOWAS#Member_states   https://www.ibtimes.com/us-faces-diplomatic-struggle-west-africa-amid-extremism-russian-influence-3725489 1898 SIERRA LEONE

President Joe Biden blamed the attack on radical Iran-backed militant groups. Also: The military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announce their withdrawal from the West African bloc, ECOWAS, and we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking music label Def Jam.