Blogs

Africa in Transition

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

Latest Post

Protesters react after police use teargas to disperse them during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 20, 2024.
Protesters react after police use teargas to disperse them during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 20, 2024. Monicah Mwangi/REUTERS

A Sea Change in Kenya

Kenya's protests mark a generational revolution in the country's politics. Read More

Nigeria
Who Needs an Emir?
The ongoing Emirship tussle in Nigeria begs broader questions about the place of traditional rulership in Africa’s emerging democracies.
South Africa
South Africa’s GNU: New Era or Ever More Difficult Slog?
South Africa has formed a governing majority; whether they can successfully govern remains to be seen. 
Nigeria
A Second Coming?
Among a cross section of Nigerian Christians, support for former US President Donald Trump remains stubbornly strong.  
  • South Africa
    South Africa’s Landmark Elections
    As South Africa concludes a set of historic national elections, questions remain on how its democracy will fare in response to a new set of challenges.
  • Sudan
    The World’s Shameful Neglect of Sudan
    The disregard paid to Sudan’s brutal conflict is an indictment on the international community.
  • 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.