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Africa in Transition

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

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa briefs the media on South Africa's G20 presidency for 2025 at the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa on December 3, 2024.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa briefs the media on South Africa's G20 presidency for 2025 at the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa on December 3, 2024. Esa Alexander/REUTERS
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Trump’s Misguided Policy Toward South Africa

by Michelle Gavin February 12, 2025

The U.S.-South Africa relationship needs a rethink. But the Trump administration’s approach is only making a bad situation worse.  

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United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
America's Disastrous Foreign Aid Withdrawal
The dismantling of USAID erodes the United States’ already limited influence on the continent. 
Post by Michelle Gavin February 6, 2025 Africa in Transition
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Fall of Goma
As civilians in Goma once again flee chaos, leaders fail to take responsibility for the crisis. 
Post by Michelle Gavin January 28, 2025 Africa Program
Nigeria
An Obnoxious Legislation
Nigeria’s blasphemy laws have no place in modern society.
Post by Ebenezer Obadare January 22, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Kenya
    Accountability Gone Missing in Kenya
    Amid a spate of abductions and disappearances in Kenya, President Ruto’s government feigns ignorance. 
    Post by Michelle Gavin January 21, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Sudan
    Sudan's Civilians Deserve Better
    Complexity is no excuse for the world’s continued inaction on the war in Sudan. 
    Post by Michelle Gavin January 14, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Ivory Coast
    Ouattara’s Dangerous Gambit
    The Ivorian president is trifling with his country’s long-term political stability.
    Post by Ebenezer Obadare January 14, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Mozambique
    The Problem With Transactionalism
    The promise of a more transactional U.S.-Africa relationship risks alienating African populations.
    Post by Michelle Gavin January 7, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    The Ruse of Sovereignty
    Getting rid of foreign military presence may be the least of African countries’ problems.
    Post by Ebenezer Obadare January 6, 2025 Africa in Transition
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
    What's at Stake for Africa in 2025
    The incoming administration should think twice before ignoring the Africa portfolio. 
    Post by Michelle Gavin December 20, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Democracy
    Africa’s Democratic Momentum
    Contrary to doomsayers, liberal democracy is building up a head of steam on the continent.
    Post by Ebenezer Obadare December 4, 2024 Africa in Transition