Africa
Russia and Sudan – New Naval Base Agreement a Sea Change for the Region
Sudan and Russia have announced an agreement that will see Russia gain access to a naval base at Port Sudan. The posting of Russian troops and warships will shift the balance of power in the region, whether by permitting Russian vessels to operate in the area for far longer than before, or by requiring adaptations in procedure and behaviour by other forces.
Amal Center – Rethinking Empowerment in the Midst of a Pandemic
The Amal Center is a non-profit organization in Marrakesh, Morocco focused on helping lift Moroccan women between the ages of 18 and 35 out of poverty. Through a six-month training in the culinary arts, which is funded entirely through the organization, women are to be introduced to the restaurant industry to feel empowered to provide for themselves through employment in this very industry.
The Curse of the White Elephant: The Pitfalls of Zambia’s Dependence on China
Zambia appears to be the first African state that has defaulted on its international debt payments as a consequence of Coronavirus. The Zambian government potentially owes the Chinese government in excess of $23 billion in loans, project money and infrastructure. This article explores some of the problems concerning the Sino-Zambian relationship.
Sudan: Rising Tensions a Year and a Half after the Revolution
The Sudanese Revolution of December 2018 promised freedom, peace, and justice but a year and a half later people are struggling to survive. The impact of COVID-19, climate change, inflation and a precarious relationship with the United States leaves Sudan in a socio-economic and political situation that is not too different from the context people protested against in December 2018. The question remains, can Sudan deliver on its revolutionary promise with all these odds stacked against it?
Burkina Faso’s Elections to Proceed Without the People
A change to the electoral code for impending elections in Burkina Faso raises concerns over the country’s future, in a region that is seeing a growing trend of incumbent politicians engineering political systems to remain in power.
South African Government Accused of Falsifying Unemployment Relief Denials
For six months, South Africans have been well aware of their government’s corruption and incompetence in delivering its $26 billion COVID-19 relief package. Now, many South Africans are being notified that their applications for assistance placed in May have been declined, stating “alternative income source identified.” Yet many citizens who have been receiving this reason are unemployed.
Ivory Coast’s Election is Heading Off the Rails
Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Dramane Ouattara increased the possibility of political instability when he announced in August that he was running for a controversial third term. The move comes at a time when the country’s economic forecast has been downgraded due to COVID-19, and the region is experiencing a rash of leaders trying to extend their time in office—a trend called third-termism, as well as increasing activity from violent extremist organizations.
Libya – The Impacts of the Ceasefire on Libyan Politics
On 21 August 2020, the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and its rival administration controlling Eastern Libya announced their commitment to a ceasefire and to finding a political solution to the conflict that has ravaged the country since 2011. So far, the truce has been successful in preventing further violence. However, it has opened the door to political infighting within both parties which could compromise the overall inter-Libyan dialogue.
Mozambique’s Insurgency & Prospects for Regional Insecurity
The discovery of large mineral and liquid natural gas deposits in Mozambique in 2010 boded well for Mozambique’s future, but conflict between Islamist militants and the central government over these resources has resulted in many fatalities and mass displacement. The President of Mozambique downplays the seriousness of the situation, but neighboring African states and African regional bodies fear that the conflict will spread beyond Mozambique’s borders.
Russia’s Strategy in Africa
Rumors of Russian involvement in Mali have gained momentum since 2018. Russia has been accused of backing the coup that took place in August 2020, orchestrated by high ranking members of the Malian army. These officers had in fact returned a week before the coup from two months’ training in Russia. The coincidence was enough for analysts to link Assimi Goita, leader of the new Junta, to the Russian government. Even if this link has yet to be proven, the growing connection between Russia and sub-Saharan countries is threatening the balance of power in the region.
