On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the challenges faced by disabled individuals in Africa are highlighted, with a focus on socio-economic inclusion. Anne Cécile Konan from the FAHCI emphasizes the need for better employment opportunities and infrastructure access for disabled people in Côte d'Ivoire. Despite efforts like special recruitment and professional integration funds, significant barriers remain. Global organizations like the UN, ILO, and WHO provide statistics and insights into the discrimination and health risks faced by disabled people, underscoring the need for inclusive development and universal access to basic services.

Amid global negotiations on plastic pollution in South Korea, Africa is witnessing private initiatives to combat this issue. Despite producing only 5% of the world's plastic, Africa is a significant source of oceanic plastic pollution due to inadequate recycling infrastructure. In Cameroon, Lynda Asaba is leading efforts to recycle plastic waste, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Josaphat Rubenga's team is cleaning Lake Kivu. In Uganda, artist Allen Nabukenya uses plastic waste in her art to raise environmental awareness. The World Health Organization highlights the health risks of plastic pollution, including microplastics entering the food chain. The Busan summit faces challenges, with countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia opposing reductions in plastic production.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the transitional president of Gabon, is visiting Brussels to strengthen ties with the European Union, following discussions initiated at the Future Summit in New York. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in security and economic diversification. Despite strategic partnerships signed with the European Commission, including sustainable forest management and railway rehabilitation, Gabon faces criticism for its human rights record. Journalist Jocksy Andrew Ondo-Louemba views the transition as a failure, emphasizing the lack of democratic election for Oligui Nguema.

The COP29 climate conference in Baku concluded with a commitment from developed countries and the EU to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to support energy transition and climate adaptation in developing countries. However, this figure falls short of the $1 trillion requested by developing nations, particularly in Africa, who view the agreement as insufficient. The agreement, seen as a starting point by some, has been met with skepticism and distrust due to perceived inadequacies and unmet commitments. Key figures like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US President Joe Biden view it as a foundational step, while others, including France, express disappointment over its limitations. The agreement highlights ongoing challenges in global climate finance and the need for a more inclusive approach.

The COP29 climate conference in Baku concluded with a commitment from 23 developed countries and the EU to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to support energy transition and climate adaptation in developing countries. However, this agreement was criticized by developing nations, particularly African countries, as insufficient compared to their request for over $1 trillion. The agreement, seen as a starting point by some, was met with skepticism due to historical mistrust in financial commitments. Key figures like Antonio Guterres and Joe Biden acknowledged the agreement as foundational, while others, including France, expressed disappointment over its limitations. The conference highlighted ongoing challenges in achieving equitable climate financing.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of using hunger as a weapon against Palestinians in Gaza. The decision has sparked varied reactions globally, with Israel and its allies, including the United States, condemning the move, while Palestinian groups and some European countries express support. The warrants are seen as unprecedented and significant, with implications for international law and justice.

In Benin, political parties have condemned a foiled coup attempt allegedly involving Olivier Boko and Oswald Homeky, close associates of President Patrice Talon. The Union Progressiste le Renouveau and Bloc Républicain, both supporting the government, denounced the destabilization efforts. The opposition party FCBE also condemned the coup attempt, emphasizing democratic processes. Meanwhile, the group supporting Boko's 2026 presidential candidacy criticized the actions against him as political persecution. The incident has sparked discussions on the presidential succession as Talon's second term ends in 2026.

The recent migrant tragedy off the coast of Senegal, resulting in at least 26 deaths, highlights the persistent issue of migration despite promises from the new government to curb it. Many young Senegalese, lacking employment and education opportunities, risk their lives for a better future in Europe. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in coastal regions like Saint-Louis and Mbour. The Association de consommateurs du Sénégal, represented by Momar Ndao, emphasizes the lack of immediate solutions and employment prospects as key drivers of this migration trend.

A tragic incident involving migrants attempting to reach Europe from Senegal highlights the persistent challenges faced by young people in the region. Despite regular democratic changes, many youths lack employment opportunities and education, driving them to risk dangerous sea journeys. Momar Ndao, President of the Association of Consumers of Senegal, explains that the lack of immediate solutions and job markets exacerbates the situation. Government efforts and campaign promises have yet to effectively address the root causes of migration.

Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, an economist and former advisor to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was arrested by the Brigade d'intervention judiciaire due to his recent book criticizing the military junta's management of the transition in Mali. The book, published in December, accuses the transitional authorities of propaganda and lies. Sissoko, who had previously been imprisoned for commenting on economic sanctions by Cédéao, faces charges of undermining state credit and spreading false information. The article also highlights the repression of opposition under the junta, including the recent ban on the coalition 'Synergie d'action pour le Mali'.