➦ US bond markets bracing for inauguration, UK’s Reeves moment (the sequel) and China upgrades policy mix to counter potential tariffs
During a New Year’s announcement, President Alassane Ouattara declared that France has been requested to withdraw the majority of its contingent from Côte d’Ivoire and transfer control of its military base to the Ivorian army.

➦ Côte d’Ivoire: Next country in line to announce withdrawal of French troops
In early December 2024, the European Commission and four founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) announced that a free trade agreement had finally been concluded.

➦ Lebanon: Aoun’s election ends more than two years of presidential vacuum
On 9 January, Joseph Aoun, a general of the Lebanese Armed Forces, was elected as president of Lebanon. President Aoun was elected after two voting rounds with 99 votes – more than the needed two-thirds of votes – by the Lebanese parliament, ending more than two years of presidential vacuum.