Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger exit regional ECOWAS bloc amid rising tensions

Three military-led West African nations have all announced their immediate withdrawal from The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the regional group of falling “under the influence of foreign powers” and becoming a threat to its members. The decision by the coup-born governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS […]

Sahara: First briefing of de Mistura before Security Council amid growing support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

The UN Security Council holds this Wednesday a behind-closed doors meeting on the Sahara. The Council will be briefed by Minurso Chief Alexander Ivanko and UN Envoy for the Sahara Staffan de Mistura. It is the first time that de Mistura addresses the Security Council members since his appointment as the Personal Envoy of the […]

Lebanon legalizes cannabis growing for medicinal, industrial purposes

As Lebanon’s economy struggles amid coronavirus fallout, the parliament on Tuesday passed legislation to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, a move that is expected to generate revenue for the country. Lawmakers approved the bill during a parliament session held in a conference hall. The approval received the backing Hezbollah’s allies including representatives […]