This Week in Africa

Sep 27, 2024

Quote of the week

“Two decades from now, more than one in four humans will be African.” – Mvemba Dizolele

Anti-illegal mining protests in Ghana

Protesters took to the streets demanding an end to illegal mining in the country. Police cracked down on the protesters and arrested at least 39 people. CDD issued this condemnation of government’s response. Protest leader Oliver Barker Vormawor, and others, were denied bail for their involvement. Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo spoke at the UN General Assembly. Is the art of protest really dying in Ghana?

Sudan’s civil war

Sudan’s army launched a major offensive in Khartoum in its attempts to reclaim the city from the RSF. It appears to be making some progress. Rape is being used as a weapon of war. The war is destroying the lives of women and children. UNESCO is worried about the destruction of heritage institutions in the country. A cholera outbreak adds to the pain. Fighters continued to besiege Darfur, worrying officials of the intensity of violence in El Fasher and beyond. Learn more from Raga Makawi in next week’s event. Nisrin Elamin explains that the “war is not a civil war, it’s a counterrevolutionary war against civilians.”

The US strengthened its relations to the United Arab Emirates despite its backing of the RSF. The UAE is using aid as a cover in war. Michelle Gavin accuses the US of “whitewashing” the UAE’s role in the devastating humanitarian crisis.

Extractive minerals

A Chinese-owned company plans to ramp up copper production in the DR Congo. The Glencore mine is amidst a royalty row.

China in Africa

Can China play a role in championing African agency in international financial system? Who gains more from China in Africa? Learn about the role of the EU and China in the global south.

Struggle for rights and freedom

Gedion Onyango argues that the anti-tax protests in Kenya humbled President Ruto. This is what we can learn from Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda. Protesters in Kinshasa seek the release of key opposition figures. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s hesitant reforms are fueling political anger in Tanzania. Zambia’s president suspends judges who ruled in favor of his rival. Ghana passed a working affirmative action gender law. Leaked emails show how Africa became the “primary target” of anti-LGBTQ actors. South African women are fighting back against gender-based violence. African women and those in the diaspora call for an end to conflict-related sexual violence.

African international relations

Kidan Araya makes an interesting point about Eric Adams’ connections to Africa and how his engagements on the continent are now sure to be scrutinised. Canada’s Africa strategy copies the American approach. USAID’s digital policy needs to include peacebuilding in its efforts. A covert campaign backed by the US downplayed the risks of pesticides and discredited environmentalists across Africa. President Biden is traveling to Angola. Three African countries are fueling Israel’s war. This is what Cold War competition in Guinea and Angola can teach us about US influence in Western Africa. Alex Thurston explains JNIM’s Bamako attack. Rising Ethiopia-Somalia tensions threaten the Horn of Africa. Why does the US media ignore Africa?

Mpox outbreak

Africa’s rapid urbanization

This article outlines pathways for climate action planning in urban Ghana. This is a neat paper about how informal transport systems work. Check out Isaac Samuel’s “A complete history of Zeila (Zayla): ca. 800-1885 CE.” Ken Opalo asks: Can better urbanization policies unlock faster economic growth and development in Nigeria?

This is cool: Explore 40 years of urban growth, coastline changes, and more with Historical imagery in Google Earth.

Research corner

This is a cool article on local aspirants and chiefs in northern Ghana. This article examines digitalization and intergroup inequality in Kenya. This is fascinating: “Mapping Women’s Memories of Britain’s Forced Resettlement Scheme in Late Colonial Kenya, c. 1953–1960.” This article centers feminists and feminisms in protests in Africa. Learn about cyberspace and the international politics of African agency. Paul Williams explains multilateral counterinsurgency in east Africa. How to prevent political violence?

The week in development

Max Roser calls for a new measure of global poverty. Mvemba Phezo Dizolele outlines the potential of Africa’s youth. African scientists are concerned about a different demographic boom. This piece examines the brain drain tradeoff. Zambia’s Kariba dam is running dry. The World Bank seeks LGBTQ compromise to end loan freeze. Guinness’ ad campaigns exploit African men.

Kenya is in talks with Abu Dhabi for $1.5 billion financing. South Africa’s coalition government triggers a wave of investment. Dangote plans to open an office in Dubai. Starlink shakes up competition in Africa. Yaw’s Brief provides some helpful explainers on key insights in African development. Zambia is poised for significant economic growth in 2025. It looks like the EU Commission will substantially slash development funding.

Africa and the environment

Floods will threaten more humanitarian crises and displacement in South Sudan. Providing electricity to all can help end poverty. Torrential rains unleash catastrophic floods in West Africa. Snowstorms brought traffic to a standstill in South Africa. Marco Tavanti and Alfredo Sfeir-Younis published Sustainability Beyond 2030.

A day in the life of a climate reporter.

Daily life

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama turns Ghana’s past into future possibility. Meet the surfer and tribal chief fighting to save a 550km South African coast. Marcus Samuelsson makes the case for fonio. Killer musicians are tearing Lesotho apart. Celebrating in Meskel, Ethiopia. Snow in South Africa!

All the best,

Jeff and Phil