Blogs

Africa in Transition

Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of Chadema party Tundu Lissu is escorted as he walks at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on April 10, 2025.
Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of Chadema party Tundu Lissu is escorted as he walks at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on April 10, 2025. Emmanuel Herman/REUTERS

Tanzania’s Election Will Deepen Cynicism About Democracy

President Samia’s quest for a mandate may lead to a pyrrhic victory.

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United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
America's Disastrous Foreign Aid Withdrawal
The dismantling of USAID erodes the United States’ already limited influence on the continent. 
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Fall of Goma
As civilians in Goma once again flee chaos, leaders fail to take responsibility for the crisis. 
Nigeria
An Obnoxious Legislation
Nigeria’s blasphemy laws have no place in modern society.
  • Kenya
    Accountability Gone Missing in Kenya
    Amid a spate of abductions and disappearances in Kenya, President Ruto’s government feigns ignorance. 
  • Sudan
    Sudan's Civilians Deserve Better
    Complexity is no excuse for the world’s continued inaction on the war in Sudan. 
  • Ivory Coast
    Ouattara’s Dangerous Gambit
    The Ivorian president is trifling with his country’s long-term political stability.
  • Mozambique
    The Problem With Transactionalism
    The promise of a more transactional U.S.-Africa relationship risks alienating African populations.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    The Ruse of Sovereignty
    Getting rid of foreign military presence may be the least of African countries’ problems.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    What's at Stake for Africa in 2025
    The incoming administration should think twice before ignoring the Africa portfolio. 
  • Democracy
    Africa’s Democratic Momentum
    Contrary to doomsayers, liberal democracy is building up a head of steam on the continent.