On February 3, 2025, during his speech in Fass Touré, Senegalese Prime Minister
Ousmane Sonko discussed the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision
to suspend USAID’s development aid program for three months. Sonko revealed
that Senegal had received significant support from USAID, particularly in the
electricity sector, with over 500 million dollars in aid. The suspension of USAID
represents a major shift for many African countries, including Senegal, which
relied on these funds for infrastructure and development projects. However, Sonko
viewed this situation as an opportunity to reconsider Senegal’s economic model
and strengthen national autonomy. He emphasized the need to mobilize local
resources, encourage industrialization, and build national capacity to reduce
reliance on foreign aid.
Author: Tiffany Bright
Fuel Price Increase in Cabo Verde Due to Global Market Trends
Cabo Verde began February with a fuel price hike, seeing an average increase of
4.72%. The Regulatory Multisector Agency of the Economy (ARME) cited a
7.80% rise in international fuel prices from December 2024 to January 2025 as the
primary reason. The increase in oil prices is attributed to higher demand caused by
colder temperatures in Europe and the U.S., as well as the implementation of new
Western sanctions on Russia and Iran.
Nelson Faria, President of the Consumer Protection Association, expects further
price hikes in goods and services, including electricity, in the coming months. He
urged the government to invest more in renewable energy sources, like wind, solar,
and ocean energy, to reduce the country’s dependency on imported fuels.
As of February, Cabo Verdeans are now paying 4.9% more for gasoline, 5.6%
more for diesel, and 5.6% more for butane gas. These new prices will remain in
effect until February 28.
USAID Shutdown Sparks Global Humanitarian and Political Crisis
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been abruptly shut
down by the Trump administration under the directives of Elon Musk, who was
appointed to cut government spending. Employees were barred from entering
offices, the agency’s digital platforms were suspended, and key officials were
placed on administrative leave. Musk labeled USAID a ”criminal organization” and
declared it was time for its dissolution. The move has raised legal and political
concerns, with critics arguing that the agency’s closure violates congressional
authority.
Senator Marco Rubio has taken control of the agency, accusing it of acting
independently from the government. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers express
alarm over Musk’s growing influence, fearing further disruptions to federal
institutions.
The USAID shutdown has dire consequences for global humanitarian aid. With the
U.S. being the largest donor of development assistance, numerous projects in
health, agriculture, and climate action have been halted. Organizations like
Solidarité Internationale and Alima have been forced to suspend critical programs
in Africa, Latin America, and beyond. The suspension of U.S. climate funding also
threatens environmental initiatives worldwide. The international aid community
now faces urgent funding shortfalls, jeopardizing millions of lives.
Liberia Moves Forward with War Crimes Tribunal Despite Challenges
Liberia’s newly elected government, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is
taking decisive steps to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), a
long-overdue measure to prosecute those responsible for atrocities committed
during the country’s two civil wars. Despite past administrations failing to set up
the tribunal, Boakai’s administration has endorsed a legislative vote supporting its
creation.
The international community, including the United Nations, the U.S., and
European nations, has welcomed the move. However, funding remains a
significant challenge, with estimates suggesting over $100 million is needed to
establish and operate the court. In the meantime, the government has created a
secretariat and appointed Jarla Barbu as its executive director.
The tribunal aims to deliver justice for war victims, hold perpetrators
accountable, and deter future conflicts. The process has faced political resistance,
notably from former warlords such as the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who
initially supported the court but later criticized it. Despite these hurdles, Liberia
remains committed to ensuring justice and national reconciliation.