Blogs

Africa in Transition

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

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A member of the Sudanese Armed forces walks between damaged buildings, more than one year into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, in Omdurman, Sudan on April 7, 2024.
A member of the Sudanese Armed forces walks between damaged buildings, more than one year into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, in Omdurman, Sudan on April 7, 2024. El Tayeb Siddig/REUTERS

The World’s Shameful Neglect of Sudan

The disregard paid to Sudan’s brutal conflict is an indictment on the international community. Read More

Nigeria
The OBJ of Illiberalism
Nigerian statesman Olusegun Obasanjo’s rejection of liberal democracy is heartfelt—and wrong.  
Democratic Republic of Congo
A Puzzling Attempted Coup in the DRC
A clumsy coup d’état attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals the underlying fragility of U.S.-DRC relations.  
Burkina Faso
When Civilians Become Targets
Recurrent deadly encounters between soldiers and civilians across West Africa offer an instructive glimpse into the state of civil-military relations in the region.
  • Kenya
    A Preview of Kenya’s State Visit
    During Kenya’s state visit, the United States should work toward building a more resilient model of U.S.-Africa partnerships.
  • Chad
    An Exercise in Electoral Futility
    The United States should resist a “business as usual” approach to Chad.  
  • Nigeria
    Ethnonationalist Rumblings
    Why seeming democratic progress has failed to staunch agitation for self-determination in Nigeria.
  • South Africa
    Mutual Suspicion Grates U.S.-South Africa Relations
    Tensions in the U.S.-South Africa relationship only heighten as both countries head towards national elections. 
  • Nigeria
    The Record Breakers
    Nigerians’ seemingly coordinated assault on the Guinness World Records offers a didactic lens into the national psyche and the state of the nation.
  • LGBTQ+
    How (Not) to Talk About Sex in Africa
    It is time the LGBTQ+ coalition changed its strategy on the continent.
  • Nigeria
    When Disability Meets Privilege
    Authorities in Nigeria squander an opportunity to make a statement about human dignity and genuine social inclusion.