The West African Junta leaders namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have recently announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc that promotes political and economic integration among it’s 15 member states. All three countries have experienced coups d’état in the past few years and have military rulers.

The junta leaders said they decided to cut ties with ECOWAS because the bloc had become a “threat to its member states” and had “failed to assist” them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity. They also accused ECOWAS of being influenced by “foreign powers” and imposing “illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions on them. ECOWAS has been pushing for a return to civilian rule in the three junta-led countries and had suspended them from the bloc until they hold democratic elections. ECOWAS had also threatened to use military force to restore democracy in Niger, which had a coup in July 2023.

The withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS could have serious consequences for the region, as it could undermine the stability and economic development of West Africa. The three countries are also part of the West African Monetary Union, which has a common currency and a common central bank. It is unclear how their exit from ECOWAS will affect their participation in the monetary union.

The junta leaders have also severed ties with France, their former colonial power, and have moved closer to Russia, which has been providing them with military and diplomatic support. Russia has deployed its private security contractors, the Wagner Group, in Mali and Burkina Faso, and has sent 100 military personnel to Burkina Faso this week

The TUC, or the Trades Union Congress, is the largest trade union federation in Ghana, representing over 500,000 workers from various sectors1. The TUC has recently expressed its opposition to the government’s decision to impose a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption above the lifeline. The lifeline is the minimum amount of electricity that is subsidized for low-income households.

The TUC argues that the new tax will increase the cost of living and burden the workers, especially those who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The TUC has given the government until the end of January to withdraw the new tax, or face possible industrial action.

They also demand that the government should improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply, as well as reduce the wastage and corruption in the energy sector.

Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip and opposes Israel’s existence. It has been engaged in a war with Israel since 2015, which has caused many casualties and humanitarian crises. Israel decided to offer Hamas a two-month ceasefire in exchange for the release of some Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, Hamas rejected this offer, demanding that Israel end the war completely and withdraw from Gaza.

Hamas also refused to accept Israel’s condition that some of its leaders leave Gaza and go into exile. The situation remains tense and complex, as both sides have different interests and goals. The international community, especially the US, Egypt and Qatar, has been trying to mediate a peaceful solution and a prisoner swap, but so far without success.

The UK is sending some of Ghana’s crown jewels back home, 150 years after looting them from the court of the Asante king. The Asante gold artefacts are the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirits of former Asante kings.

The items to be loaned, most of which were taken during 19th-Century wars between the British and the Asante, include a sword of state, a gold peace pipe, and a ceremonial cap worn by courtiers at coronations. The loan deals are not with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfo Osei Tutu II – the current Asante king known as the Asantehene – who still holds an influential ceremonial role, although his kingdom is now part of Ghana’s modern democracy.

The items will go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene’s silver jubilee. Some national museums in the UK – including the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum – are banned by law from permanently giving back contested items in their collections, and loan deals such as this are seen as a way to allow objects to return to their countries of origin.
However, some countries laying claim to disputed artefacts fear that loans may be used to imply they accept the UK’s ownership. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, told the BBC that the gold items of court regalia are the equivalent of “our Crown Jewels”