Blogs

Africa in Transition

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

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Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara speaks during the African Development Bank annual meeting in Abidjan on May 27, 2025.
Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara speaks during the African Development Bank annual meeting in Abidjan on May 27, 2025. Luc Gnago/REUTERS

Political Tension in Côte d'Ivoire

Economic successes do not obviate the need for political transition.

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South Africa
The Tensions Behind the Trump-Ramaphosa White House Meeting
Will the U.S. and South Africa recover relations from the brink?
Burkina Faso
Letter to a Young African
A warning about soldiers in power, and the folly of cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.
Nigeria
A Political Breakthrough?
Is the nascent consensus on state police in Nigeria a political ruse or a giant step towards true federalism in the country?
  • Uganda
    Warning Signs in Uganda
    Muhoozi’s bizarre and troubling social media presence fans the flames of political violence. 
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    The Cult of Traoré
    Rather than a beacon of hope, Burkinabè tyrant Ibrahim Traoré is a pointer to everything that is wrong with the continent.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
    Peace Talks in the Era of Transactionalism
    What are the terms of the deal the U.S. is trying to negotiate with the DRC and Rwanda?
  • Tanzania
    Tanzania’s Election Will Deepen Cynicism About Democracy
    President Samia’s quest for a mandate may lead to a pyrrhic victory.
  • Democracy
    Tropical Vibes
    The leader of the free world appears to have contracted the third-term virus. 
  • South Sudan
    South Sudan is a Test for the African Union
    The time for conflict prevention is rapidly expiring. 
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    A Question of Freedom
    When it comes to African development, foreign aid is just the beginning.