Mary Fitzgerald, Monocle's North Africa correspondent, sheds light on the recent departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, analyzing the quest for sovereignty and the shift towards alliances with Russia. Meanwhile, Zoe Grunabald, Westminster editor, discusses political developments including RFK Jr.'s hearings and Friedrich Merz's alliance with the AFD. The conversation reveals how these geopolitical shifts impact regional stability, as well as broader global political trends and their implications for both European and American dynamics.
The collision between a commercial airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington raises urgent questions about air traffic safety protocols.
Nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are shifting away from ECOWAS, fostering a new bloc that threatens regional stability and security.
Copenhagen Fashion Week highlights a trend towards minimalism, merging sophisticated designs with sustainable practices in the evolving fashion industry.
Deep dives
American Airlines Plane Crash Details
An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. at approximately 8:53 AM Eastern Time. Following the midair collision, both aircraft were found wrecked in the Potomac River, prompting a rescue operation, although only bodies have thus far been recovered. The Pentagon has launched an investigation into the incident, with concerns raised about the safety of the busy airspace near Reagan Airport, which is located in close proximity to key governmental sites like the White House and the Pentagon. The crash has reignited discussions about air traffic control and security protocols in one of the world's most monitored airspaces.
Departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially announced their departure from ECOWAS, raising serious concerns about regional stability and cross-border cooperation. This move follows a series of military coups in these nations that have fueled anti-Western sentiments and shifted alliances closer to Russia. The exit from ECOWAS could severely impact these countries, which will lose benefits like visa-free travel and friendly tariffs that facilitate trade among member nations. Analysts caution that this development could exacerbate existing security threats in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups continue to destabilize the area, potentially leading to increased extremist activities.
France's Diminishing Influence in Africa
The declining influence of France in West Africa is emphasized as nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso reject Western military support in favor of closer ties with Russia. Historical decisions, such as France's military intervention in Mali in 2013, which initially aimed to combat jihadist threats, have created a backlash against French presence in the region. Currently, even countries like Senegal, which once had amiable relations with France, are now pushing for the closure of French military bases. This shift reflects a broader trend where younger African leaders advocate for sovereignty and reject neo-colonial influences from Western powers, which could pave the way for varying security implications in the region.
Return of Supersonic Commercial Aviation
Boom's XB-1 prototype has achieved supersonic flight, marking a significant milestone towards the revival of supersonic commercial aviation. While travel speed has historically been muted due to fuel costs and environmental concerns, Boom aims to offer a solution that balances speed and economic viability. The project faces challenges, primarily in engine development, as existing manufacturers have hesitated to invest in supersonic technology. If successful, this venture could redefine air travel, allowing passengers to reach destinations faster, although significant questions still linger over sustainability and market demand.
Copenhagen Fashion Week's Minimalistic Trends
Copenhagen Fashion Week has showcased a strong trend toward minimalism, emphasizing complex designs and tailored silhouettes. The event celebrates its 25th anniversary while influencing sustainability practices in the fashion industry, which many other cities are now adapting. Designers are presenting garments with intricate details, like origami pleating and layered fabrics, while maintaining a color palette of understated tones like beige and black. The fashion showcased is not only aesthetically appealing but also commercially viable, with buyers attending to select items ready for retail, suggesting a shift towards practicality in high fashion.
We get an update on an overnight collision between a commercial airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter above Washington before turning to the new alliance between military-ruled Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. We discuss what this new bloc means and which international actors stand to benefit from it. Then: we investigate the global importance of the US’s National Institutes of Health. Plus: Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 jet breaks the sound barrier and we head to Copenhagen Fashion Week.
