Sub-Saharan Africa | Council on Foreign Relations

U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa has plateaued in recent years, prompting analysts to question the effectiveness of a preferential trade program for the region.

by Mariel Ferragamo, Ivana Lefebvre d'Argence, and Helena Kopans-Johnson Oct 1, 2025

Climate Change and Regional Instability in the Horn of Africa

Climate change is exacerbating instability in the Horn of Africa. Democratizing climate awareness, respecting African energy needs, and supporting regional organizations are strategies to mitigate its effects.

Report by Michelle Gavin Nov 3, 2022

Under Threat: Democracy in Africa

Panelists discuss the most recent rise in violent conflict and coups in Africa, the threats these coups pose to fragile democratic institutions, and options to prevent further military takeovers on the continent.

Event with Kamissa Camara, Christopher Fomunyoh, and Jendayi E. Frazer Apr 18, 2022

Sudan

What Is the Extent of Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis?

More than two years into the civil war in Sudan, about twelve million people have been forcibly displaced. Yet experts say the country’s devastating humanitarian crisis is still not getting the international attention it deserves.

by Mariel Ferragamo and Diana Roy November 6, 2025
Nigeria

A Concerning Standoff

President Trump is right to draw attention to the plight of victims of Islamist terror in Nigeria, but a unilateral invasion of the country will be counterproductive.

by Ebenezer Obadare November 3, 2025 Africa in Transition
Politics and Government

Conduct Unbecoming

In continuing to express a desire to run for an unconstitutional third term, President Trump belittles the office and erodes America’s moral authority abroad.

by Ebenezer Obadare October 28, 2025 Africa in Transition

Sudan

Shelling, Drones, and Hunger in El Fasher

Regional and international actors should approach the crisis in Sudan with the urgency it demands.

by Michelle Gavin October 24, 2025 Africa in Transition
Cameroon

Cameroon at an Inflection Point

Regardless of who is announced as the winner in this month’s election, change is coming for Cameroon.

by Michelle Gavin October 21, 2025 Africa in Transition
Sub-Saharan Africa

Transactionalism Tested

The United States’ hastily established third country deportation deals are chaotic and counterproductive.

by Caroline Hecht October 17, 2025 Africa in Transition

Food and Water Security

How food is being used as a weapon in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine

Experts, physicians, and humanitarian workers point to an alarming pattern that spans across regions, countries, and conflicts: food is being weaponized. And that weaponization is evolving—shaped by technology, globalization, and the politics of power.

Explainer Video with Thamine Nayeem , Michael Werz , Michelle Gavin , David J. Scheffer , Molly McAnany, Jeremy Sherlick , Markus Zakaria and Ivana Saric October 15, 2025
Nigeria

The Government of Nigeria Versus Senator Ted Cruz

The security crisis in Nigeria may be complicated, but that does not make it any less religious.

by Ebenezer Obadare October 13, 2025 Africa in Transition
Madagascar

Protests Arrive in Madagascar

Poor public service provision, poverty, and inequality have made Rajoelina's government the latest target of Gen Z demonstrations.

by Michelle Gavin October 8, 2025 Africa in Transition
Sub-Saharan Africa

AGOA: The U.S.-Africa Trade Program

U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa has plateaued in recent years, prompting analysts to question the effectiveness of a preferential trade program for the region.

by Mariel Ferragamo , Ivana Lefebvre d'Argence and Helena Kopans-Johnson October 1, 2025
Israel

Violence Is a Growing Threat to Press Freedom Worldwide

Violence against the press is a rising trend worldwide—whether in the line of fire in fierce conflicts, or on the front lines of covering repressive regimes.

by Mariel Ferragamo October 1, 2025
Nigeria

Je Suis Yahaya

The Supreme Court of Nigeria should free Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and declare blasphemy laws in the country unconstitutional.

by Ebenezer Obadare September 29, 2025 Africa in Transition
United Nations

Women This Week: UNGA 80 at CFR Features President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers September 20 to September 26.

by Noël James September 26, 2025 Women Around the World
Somalia

A Conversation With President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discusses Somalia’s political and economic developments, governance, regional relations, and the country’s role in the world. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Michelle Gavin September 25, 2025
South Africa

A Conversation With President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa discusses South Africa’s domestic agenda, bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country’s role in the region. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question-and-answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event by Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa and Richard Stengel September 23, 2025