Author: Tiffany Bright

On February 16, 2025, more than 40 people, mostly women, were killed in the collapse of an illegal gold mine near Kéniéba, in Mali’s Kayes region. The victims were searching for gold in abandoned open pits when the ground caved in. This marks the second mining disaster in the country within three weeks. Reports conflict on the exact death toll, with figures ranging from 43 to 48. Mining accidents are common in Mali due to unregulated activities and unsafe practices. The Malian government is also in a financial dispute with the Canadian mining company Barrick, having seized gold worth $245 million.

On February 15, 2025, during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Youssouf, who has served as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, will begin his four-year term in March 2025, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad, who has held the position since 2017.

The election saw Youssouf competing against notable figures such as Raila Odinga, a former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato, an ex-Foreign Minister of Madagascar. Youssouf secured the leadership after seven rounds of voting, obtaining 33 votes in the final round.

Born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, Youssouf has had a distinguished diplomatic career. He began his service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992, later becoming Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt from 1997 to 2001. In 2001, he was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation, and in 2005, he assumed the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

As the incoming AUC Chairperson, Youssouf faces several pressing challenges, including addressing military juntas in West Africa and violent rebellions in regions like eastern Congo. He has emphasized the importance of African nations taking the lead in resolving security issues and reducing dependence on external entities.

Youssouf’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders across the continent and beyond. Djibouti’s President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, described the victory as “a proud moment for Djibouti and Africa,” expressing confidence that Youssouf’s leadership will serve the continent with dedication and vision

President Adama Barrow has urged political parties and citizens to unite for national development as The Gambia approaches its 60th Independence Anniversary. Speaking through Baboucarr Bouy, Minister for Public Service, at a national dialogue, Barrow emphasized that no individual or party can stay in power forever, and peaceful governance transitions should be ensured without conflict or instability.

Barrow highlighted the importance of dialogue and inclusivity, stating that national policies and institutions belong to all Gambians and should be shaped collectively. He expressed his commitment to working with all citizens, including those in the diaspora, to advance the nation’s development.

This year’s Diamond Jubilee theme, “Marching in Solidarity for Self-Reliance and National Development,” encourages Gambians to focus on long-term progress, looking ahead to the nation’s centenary. Barrow called on citizens to leverage both human and material resources for rapid development, stressing that unity across governance structures, communities, and social groups is essential for national progress.

As The Gambia celebrates 60 years of independence, Barrow’s message reinforces the need for cooperation, constitutional adherence, and collective efforts to build a prosperous future.

The timing of an upcoming ECOWAS high-level delegation visit to Guinea-Bissau (February 23-28) has sparked skepticism, particularly from opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira. He questions why the mission, which had been on hold for months, is now scheduled just days before President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s term is set to end on February 27, according to the opposition.

ECOWAS official Serigne Mamadou Ka clarified that the visit aims to facilitate consensus on a date for the country’s presidential elections, following a decision made at the ECOWAS Heads of State Conference in December. Critics, however, accuse ECOWAS of inaction in addressing Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis.

Adding to the controversy, a letter allegedly signed by dissenting PAIGC members denouncing Pereira’s claim to an interim presidency has been disputed, with some supposed signatories denying their involvement and suspecting forgery. The mission’s outcome is expected to influence the country’s political future significantly.