This Week in Africa
July 28, 2023
Quote of the week
“Nigerians are ready to sacrifice to improve the lives of future generations. But it must be done with policies that have a human face.” – Nigerian teacher Sani Mamman
Protests in Kenya
Protests continue in Kenya as the police brutally crack down. Benjamin Oestericher argues that Kenya’s protests illustrate the deepening disconnect between the country’s elite and people on the street. Ken Opalo explains the economic foundations of the protests. Westen Shilaho argues that politicians continue to ethnicity to divide the country. Uhuru Kenyatta explains why he fell out with William Ruto, but why he still sees him as his president.
Coup in Niger
The military detained the president in Niger, announcing a coup. Here’s what we know so far. This places even more pressure on the “fragile” region. The US cannot afford to leave Niger, as the instability provides an opportunity for Russia to expand its influence. It’s important to pay close attention to the internal political battles too.
Africa’s migration crisis
A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Dakar, killing at least 17 people. Death at sea is bringing the migrant crisis closer to home. The deal Tunisia struck with the EU has pushed African migrants into dangerous “no-man’s lands” along the border. Tunisia has recovered 901 bodies of drowned migrants off its coast this year.
War in Sudan
Hiba Morgan explains 100 days of fighting in Sudan. The RSF continues its devasting path of destruction through Darfur. The banking system is near collapse. Sanctions are having an impact, but cannot stop the fighting. Khartoum is a ghost town, while Juba is taking in thousands of refugees. Raga Makawi explains the internal politics that contribute to the war. There is no peace in sight. It is time to end Sudan’s war.
Economic policies in Nigeria
Daily struggles and micropolitics are threatening new Nigerian President Tinubu’s economic reforms. While the removal of petrol subsidies and the easing of foreign exchange rates might be necessary in the long-term, they are devastating for poor and middle-class people today.
Wildfires in Algeria
Wildfires are spreading across northern Africa. They have already killed dozens of people in Algeria. Thousands more have had to evacuate. July is on track to be the hottest month ever.
Governing South Africa
In another blow to the ANC, the governing party is likely to lose official opposition status in the Western Cape. This is why South Africa is on the brink of chaos.
Struggle for rights and freedom
Ghana will stop using the death penalty. Theologian Mercy Amba Oduyoye explains how women are central to the church. This piece outlines how to expand political participation in Somalia. Colonialists’ gendered worldviews did not easily map onto the societies they encountered. Meet the greatest con-artist in Africa’s history. Learn more about the Russia-Africa summit. Could the opposition win in Zimbabwe?
Adom Getachew is right: Africa was the center of history.
Africa’s rapid urbanization
Hundreds of people protest in Madibeng, South Africa over water and electricity. Kampala is the world’s youngest city where half of the population is under 16 years of age. This is why cities must redress injustice and embrace the climate displaced. It is dangerous to walk in urban Ghana. This is an interesting article about patriarchal anxieties in urban Mali.
Research corner
This article examines land tenure, food security, gender, and urbanization in northern Ghana. This article outlines how political parties use WhatsApp in Ghana and Nigeria. Soeren Henn explains how institutional arrangements bind traditional authorities and the state in Africa. Amanda Lea Robinson outlines the importance of “ethnic visibility” on politics. Make sure to read Justine Davis’ important article “Parochial Altruism in Civil Society Leaders: Legacies of Contested Governance” with evidence from Cote d’Ivoire. Check out this review of five decades of sociology in Nigeria. Dan Paget explains why campaign costs are rising and rallies are hybridizing in Tanzania. Abosede Babatunde analyzes oil exploitation and food insecurity in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. On the specter of homophobia in Africa.
This looks good: Africa's Urban Youth: Challenging Marginalization, Claiming Citizenship. Jonny Steinberg retells the story of Winnie and Nelson Mandela. This book examines leaders in the Middle East and North Africa.
The strength of weak ties—fifty years on. And how “religious” are religious conflicts?
The week in development
China and Kenya agree to deepen Belt and Road cooperation. Ethiopia works hard to secure port access. The end of the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could threaten food security in Africa. Ghana’s sanitation minister is arrested in a $1 million cash corruption scandal.
Bringing freedom back to developmentalism.
Africa and the environment
Watch Wanjira Mathai’s Ted Talk on Africa’s tree-growing movement. North Africa turns to desalination to deal with water shortages. Will malaria follow the migrating mosquitoes?
Daily life
This is cool: Africa through its own lens. Avoiding seven male lions. This is how a trailblazing coach lifted South African football. Supa Team 4 highlights Africa’s animation on Netflix. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon shatters women’s mile world record.
All the best,
Jeff and Phil