Africa Brief
From Algeria to Zimbabwe and countries in between, a weekly roundup of essential news and analysis from Africa. Delivered Wednesday.
Africa’s Disappointed Demographic
Young people across the continent have been hit hard by the pandemic, lockdowns, and economic stagnation—but their protests have largely been ignored by elderly elites.
Will the War on Terror Move to Africa?
With jihadist groups on the rise, African leaders from Nigeria to Mozambique are worried about maintaining stability.
Will Sudan Send Bashir to The Hague?
Allowing the International Criminal Court to prosecute a former leader for war crimes could be a pivotal moment in the transition to democracy.
Zambia Votes
A country long seen as a bulwark of stability is facing economic stagnation and democratic backsliding.
Ghana Doubles Down on Homophobic Laws
A country long regarded as a beacon of democracy in Africa is poised to pass draconian legislation criminalizing the country’s LGBT community.
Pegasus Lands in Africa
From Morocco to Rwanda, governments and their intelligence services have allegedly used spyware to target everyone including opponents, monarchs, and foreign leaders.
Is South Africa’s Unrest an Insurrection?
President Cyril Ramaphosa believes the violence is politically motivated, but it looks more like an uprising of the poor and unemployed.
South Sudan’s Lost Decade
Ten years after independence, Africa’s youngest country remains mired in conflict and poverty.
Somaliland’s Strategic Case for Independence
Lacking formal international recognition, the territory is seeking to make its mark through infrastructure deals and bilateral ties with key global powers.
Will a Cease-Fire End Ethiopia’s Civil War?
Tigrayan forces retook the regional capital, Mekele, as Abiy Ahmed declared a unilateral cease-fire and federal forces and officials retreated.
Pandemic’s Third Wave Hits Africa
With just 1 percent of the continent’s population fully vaccinated and a higher death rate than the rest of the world, Africa is facing a dangerous surge in infections.
Ivory Coast Leader Returns After a Decade Away
Acquitted at the International Criminal Court, former President Laurent Gbagbo could play a role in the current government.
Nigeria’s Twitter Ban Has a Lesson for Big Tech
The social media company faces tough questions in talks with the government to restore access to 40 million users.
Europe Repents in Africa
Germany and France have formally acknowledged their roles in the continent’s 20th-century genocides.
Macron Goes to Africa
The French president is seeking to project influence, build new alliances, repair old rifts, and defuse the immigration issue at home.
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