Senegal's local elections are a significant test for President Sall's ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition, which seeks to regain control of Dakar from the opposition. Economic challenges and corruption perceptions have fueled anti-government sentiment, highlighted by violent protests following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Speculation about Sall's potential third-term bid adds to the political tension, with his eligibility remaining unclear.

Over 30,000 people have fled from Cameroon to Chad due to inter-communal clashes in northern Cameroon, sparked by a dispute over water resources between herders, fishermen, and farmers. The conflict, which began on December 5 in the border village of Ouloumsa, has resulted in at least 22 deaths and 30 serious injuries. The United Nations Refugee Agency attributes the escalating tensions to the climate crisis, noting the significant reduction in the surface area of Lake Chad, which has led to competition for the remaining water resources.

African health authorities, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, are set to discuss a new coronavirus variant found in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong. The variant, known as B.1.1529, is an offshoot of B.1.1. and has a large number of mutations. More details will be provided after the meeting, according to Director John Nkengasong.

Farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana are optimistic about the maincrop harvest due to favourable weather conditions. Recent rains have improved prospects for the harvest season starting in October. However, heavy rain in central Ivory Coast has caused flooding, affecting some plantations. In Cameroon and Nigeria, farmers are experiencing mixed conditions, with some areas reporting black-pod disease. West Africa's moisture levels are expected to rise, potentially aiding harvests, while cocoa futures have dropped slightly since a five-month high in August.

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo returned to the country after a decade, following his acquittal by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Despite a potential jail sentence for looting the Central Bank of West African States, his return is seen as a step towards reconciliation. Gbagbo's refusal to accept election defeat in 2010 led to civil war and economic downturn. His arrival was met with support from his party, while the government views him as a normal citizen. Analysts believe his return will not threaten national security but will pressure President Ouattara to strengthen his party's influence.

Ivory Coast has sentenced five child-traffickers to 20 years in prison following a raid on cocoa farms, with one of the traffickers being the uncle of a rescued 15-year-old from Burkina Faso. The operation took place in Soubre and resulted in 17 other individuals receiving five-year sentences for supporting child labor, while two were released. This legal action comes as the European Union, which accounts for 67% of Ivory Coast's cocoa exports, prepares to introduce sustainability laws to combat child labor, protect forests, and end farmer poverty.

Violent youth gangs, including children as young as ten, are causing chaos in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with a series of brutal knife and machete attacks. The lack of an effective response from the authorities has led to residents carrying out lynchings in frustration.