AES: Sahel Alliance States to Deploy Joint Force of 5,000 Troops

The Sahel Alliance States, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, plan to deploy a joint force of 5,000 troops to address security threats in the central Sahel region. This military initiative follows a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, which led these nations to sever ties with ECOWAS, France, and Western allies. Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody announced the force would include air assets, equipment, and intelligence resources, with operations expected to begin within weeks. The region continues to face severe violence linked to Islamist groups, displacing 2.6 million people by December 2024.

Ghana Seeks to Rebuild Regional Ties with Sahel Alliance Initiative

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a former national security chief, as envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a group formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This move signals Ghana’s effort to improve relations with the military-led nations. Diplomatic tensions had previously risen after Ghana’s allegations about Wagner mercenaries in Burkina Faso. Analysts see the appointment as a step toward restoring trust and regional collaboration, especially within ECOWAS. The region faces significant challenges, including terrorism, coups, and geopolitical rivalries involving global powers. Mahama’s leadership history in ECOWAS positions him as a key figure in promoting stability.

Opening and Postponement of Olivier Boko’s Trial: Disputes and Tensions in Cotonou

On January 21, 2025, the Cotonou court opened the highly anticipated trial of Olivier Boko, a former close collaborator of Beninese President Patrice Talon, accused of plotting against the state. He is being tried alongside Oswald Homéky, former Minister of Sports, and three other defendants. However, the defense contested the court’s composition, as only three judges were present instead of the required five. This led to the lawyers withdrawing from the courtroom and the trial being postponed until January 23. This case takes place in a politically tense context in Benin, with serious charges against Boko and his co-defendants, which could have significant consequences on the country’s political landscape. The trial is drawing substantial national and international attention, and how this case is managed will be crucial for the credibility of Benin’s judicial institutions.

Liberia Installs PSA Oxygen Plants in Four Counties, Boosting Healthcare Capacity

Liberia has achieved a major milestone in healthcare with the successful installation and commissioning of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in Grand Kru, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba counties. These plants, providing medical-grade oxygen, will enhance hospitals’ capacity to treat critical respiratory conditions and respond to health emergencies like COVID-19.

The project was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health, the Liberian Government, the Global Fund Emergency Response, Plan International Liberia, and county administrations. Funded by the Global Fund and implemented by Plan International Liberia, the initiative met international standards for installation and training.

These facilities symbolize a commitment to improving healthcare access and resilience in Liberia, serving as models for similar regional projects. By investing in critical health infrastructure, Liberia is taking significant steps toward ensuring better health outcomes for its population.