The new political leaders in Dakar are promising jobs, growth and radical reform for the region s monetary system, Plans to rename the CFA franc, the next stage of regional currency reform, were derailed at the last minute by the July 2023 military coup that deposed Niger s President Mohamed Bazoum, Africa Confidential has learned.
Political and financial imperatives are driving reform of the CFA zone but may be stymied by an international economic slowdown, After being put on hold during the pandemic, plans to reform the CFA franc zone are back on the agenda in West Africa. These plans are unfolding as criticism of France s economic and political role in the region is mounting.
The octogenarian President has lined up a beauty parade of contenders – even as his supporters say he may stand again in 2025, Succession gossip – rarely quiet for long in Abidjan – is simmering after President Alassane Ouattara appointed a new deputy and reshuffled the cabinet and the top ranks of the ruling Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP). New Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné made his diplomatic début visiting Guinea-Bissau for talks with President Úmaro Sissoco Embaló in the week-ending 7 May.