The government of Sierra Leone announced a state of health emergency on Monday following the confirmation of two cases of mpox in the country. This proactive decision aims to strengthen prevention and control measures to limit the spread of the disease.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infection primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person. Health authorities emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and called for public cooperation in following health guidelines.
The state of emergency will enable the mobilization of additional resources, launch awareness campaigns, and strengthen medical infrastructure to address any potential risks of spread. This measure is part of a national strategy to protect public health and prevent a major health crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to report any suspicious symptoms while adhering to recommended preventive measures.
General News
COP29: G20 Supports Climate Finance Deal, But Fossil Fuel Commitments Remain Unclear
Baku (AFP) – Activists and negotiators at the COP29 climate talks cautiously welcomed a statement from G20 leaders supporting a climate finance deal for poorer countries, but criticism quickly followed over the omission of explicit commitments to fossil fuel reduction.
ECOWAS Signs Memorandum of Academic Agreement with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies
On November 12, 2024, H.E. Damtien L. Tchinchibidja, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, led an ECOWAS delegation to Washington D.C. for the signing of a Memorandum of Academic Agreement between ECOWAS and the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS). Colonel (retired) Dan Hampton, Acting Director of ACSS, emphasized the importance of the partnership in enhancing collaboration on conflict resolution, with a focus on human rights. Vice President Tchinchibidja expressed ECOWAS’s enthusiasm for working with ACSS on capacity building, strategic leadership, and the exchange of best practices, particularly in areas such as data collection, early warning systems, and forecasting. The Vice President was accompanied by Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai and other ECOWAS officials from the Permanent Observer Mission to the UN.
Source: ECOWAS website
WACSOF West African News Updates: Republic of Niger
IMF to Disburse $43 Million to Niger Amid Strong Economic Growth
On Monday, November 11, 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the government of Niger reached an agreement to release $43 million to the country. The funding, provided under the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) allocated to African nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be split into two parts. $17 million will go towards stabilizing Niger’s economy and supporting public finances, while $26 million will help the country address climate change challenges.
The IMF cited Niger’s “impressive” economic performance, with a projected GDP growth of 8.8% for 2024, as the basis for this financial support. Key factors contributing to this growth include Niger’s new status as an oil-exporting country, a favorable agricultural season despite floods, and the recent lifting of ECOWAS sanctions following the military coup in July 2023. The IMF expressed confidence in Niger’s continued economic performance, forecasting a growth rate of 7.9% for 2025, alongside a decline in inflation.