Top Africa Stories of the Year 2023

December 30, 2023

Dear friends of This Week in Africa:

Thanks for sticking with us as we moved countries, started new jobs, and welcomed little ones to the world. What a year it has been. TWiA has been a steadying presence in our lives the past eight years (imagine that!), and we look forward to more to come.

Check out our previous years-in-review here: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Here are our top stories of the year 2023:

1.     Fighting in Sudan escalates into civil war

In April, fighting broke out in Khartoum, Sudan. These maps of the fighting tell the story of the city as a battlefield. Declan Walsh explains how two generals turned against each other after they staged the 2021 coup, and now fight for power. This is a helpful explainer of the seven-year power struggle.

Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is the the army chief and Lt. Gen Mohamed Hamdan is a paramilitary leader of the Rapid Support Forces. This is a great portrait of Hamdan, nicknamed Hemedti, who plunged the country into violence. Nesrine Malik writes, “Hemedti is folksy, easy in his skin, with a glint in his eye and a smiling mischief to his demeanour that belie his reputation for slaughter.” Tessa Knight provides this fascinating thread about how support for Hemedti was amplified on Twitter.

The fighting escalated in Darfur. Comfort Ero and Richard Atwood explain how regional power politics are fueling the deadly war. Learn more about the illicit networks funding the fighting.

This is a thorough investigation into how efforts to guide Sudan to democracy ended in war. The world supported two generals, rather than the pro-democracy protesters and groups. Alex de Waal explains the war between two generals that nobody wanted but has its roots in a long history of struggle for the city and country. Mai Hassan explains the competing security arrangements. Nesrine Malik traces its roots to the rebellion in Darfur 20 years ago. Douglas Johnson goes back even further, explaining that regional disparities in the Blue Nile, Nuba Mountains, and eastern Sudan have long been unresolved. Roman Deckert draws attention to the Cold War.

Today, Sudan’s army faces major scrutiny after rebel forces captured Wad Madani, a major strategic city. This signals a major expansion of the war. The RSF now controls most of Darfur. A RSF victory might be in sight. Washington calls for a fresh approach to the conflict. This is a helpful thread on the destruction of villages in Darfur using aerial images. The devastation is real. Sudan is now one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world as more than 5.6 million people are displaced.

Zeinab Mohammed Salih explains what she feels covering the war that is tearing her country apart. Five authors describe the nightmare situation in the country. The war is not only threatening its future, but destroying Sudan’s past. Reem Abbas outlines the personal costs of war. Bayan Abubakr reminds us that Sudan will not be left for dead. And Nesrine Malik grieves the destruction of Khartoum, her city.

2.     Confronting the future of Congo’s mining industry

The increase in demand for raw materials like cobalt and coltan for electric vehicles has drawn new attention to DR Congo’s mining industry. The rush for resources has led to fighting in the country’s east, a new scramble for resources, and a massive displacement crisis. Congo’s government is signing mining deals with numerous countries, including the United Arab Emirates. The US is offering grants to companies willing to support workers in the informal cobalt mining sector. A new road from DR Congo through Zambia to Tanzania could speed up copper exports. This is a cool interactive map of copper and cobalt production in the DR Congo.

Siddharth Kara’s Cobalt Red documents this story, but it might not be the best account of the situation. Sarah Katz-Lavigne and Esperant Mwishamali Lukobo argue that the book is a deeply flawed account of Congo’s mining industry. Ben Radley asks: Who wants to hear about White Saviorism gone wrong? This review essay takes a look inside Congo’s cobalt mines. James H. Smith’s The Eyes of the World: Mining the Digital Age in the Eastern DR Congo provides an ethnographic account.

The future of Congo’s mining industry is at the heart of recent presidential elections, where Felix Tshisekedi looks to win a second term. The Continent calls it the election in the most important country on the planet. The world is brutally indifferent to the country’s democracy, as years of abuse, plunder, and impunity continue.

3.     More migration and mass displacement

Africans continue to migrate to other parts of the world in record number. Yet compassion for migrants has given way to cruel, performative politics. This piece digs deep into why African migrants risk so much to make it to Europe and the US. Countries along the way, like Tunisia, demonstrate how the migrant challenge is a microcosm of the global challenge of migration. Migrants are dying in huge numbers, yet the world is numb to their humanity. African immigration is a growing, and often hidden, challenge to US states. UK’s plan to “outsource” refugees to Rwanda makes its way through the courts. Howard French argues that Europe will face a reckoning on immigration. Kenda Mutongi asks: What does it mean for those living in the diaspora to remain attached to the land they left behind?

 And the 2023 World Development Report: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies.

4.     Rebuilding Ethiopia after war

While Ethiopia’s precarious peace seems to hold, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attempts to rebuild the country. Ahmed attended the Belt and Road Initiative gathering in China with representatives from 130 countries. He claimed that Africa is becoming a global powerhouse. The country then joined BRICS. Ethiopia signed 17 agreements with United Arab Emirates, which also highlights UAE’s rise as the largest foreign direct investor on the continent. The country still needs a reliable seaport and navy, as Ken Opalo argues. Yet Solen Feyissa argues that Ethiopia’s government chases shiny big projects while neglecting its rich, cultural heritage. Political challenges remain.

5.     Deadly building fire in Johannesburg

A devastating building fire in Johannesburg’s Central Business District killed more than 70 people. The “hijacked building” was overtaken by squatters, and operated as an informal settlement. The lack of shelters and affordable housing contributed to the growth of these hijacked buildings. Many of the residents are migrants searching for work, as the buildings are “inexorably linked to the currents of history that precipitated its downfall.” These are some of the people who died in the building fire. Ramaphosa declared, “It’s a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city.”

The fire shows the decay of the country’s economic capital. This is a harrowing story of a father’s desperate 5-Story jump to save his children from the blaze. Officials knew about the state of the building—but did nothing. This is a glimpse inside Joburg’s “hijacked buildings.” They are firetraps. Read The Blinded City for some good background and historical context.

Johannesburg’s “hijacked” building fire exposes corruption and housing chaos, as well as the entrenched xenophobia, rise of the radical right, and the haphazard commitment to the free movement of people. The victimization of foreigners is rearing its ugly head again.

6.     Africans are changing the world

A major demographic change is happening in Africa and Declan Walsh argues that it is reshaping the world. Africa’s “youthquake,” disillusionment with politicians, remittances, rise of film and music industries, job creation, migration, and urbanization is having a global impact. For one, Africans are changing French, one joke, rap, and book at a time. The world is clearly ready for African stories. Politically and economically, African states demand a new international system. Africa is changing the world order.

Adom Getachew argues that Africa has always been at the center of history. Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò makes a similar point about the term “precolonial Africa,” which implies Africa never existed before colonialism. Clearly, history is still present, and Africa is at the center of the world.

As Ogu Onubogu argues: Africa just matters, period.

7.     The Hamas-Israel War’s impact on Africa

The impacts of the Hamas-Israel War are felt across the continent. African states have responded to the conflict differently, as Asher Lubotzky explains Africa’s divided views on Israel. These African countries have sent aid to Gaza. This piece breaks down the role of Egypt in the conflict, while this article locates Gaza’s roads to Africa. Steven Friedman explains “Israel’s Sharpeville moment.” Does Africa offer lessons for world peace? Solidarity means more than words.

8.     Kenyans protest high cost of living

Kenya’s president William Ruto is raising his global profile, but domestic discontent rises at home. Kenyans are dismayed at Ruto’s failure to deliver on economic promises. Many Kenyans feel betrayed by the President. In response, many Kenyans took to the streets, some of which were organized by the opposition. Supporters of Raila Odinga protested against the high cost of living, poor governance, and Ruto’s government.

Patrick Gathara argues that President Ruto is coming up against the limits of his power. 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. Protests against the high cost of living and government mismanagement also took place in South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, and other African countries.

9.     Liberians elect a new president

Joseph Boakai is the new president of Liberia. This is a brief explainer on democracy in the country. Afolabi Adekaiyaojo provided this helpful overview of the coalitions, counties, and contests that shaped the vote. Robtel Neajai Pailey argues that incumbent George Weah must go, democratically. The vote was extremely close. Gaining accolades across the world, Weah conceded and gave this thoughtful speech. Sitati Wasilwa argues that Weah’s loss is a win for political accountability and democracy.

10.  A new president of Nigeria

Nigeria also has a new president, Bola Tinubu. He won the most important election of the year. See our overview here. Though Peter Obi did not win, he enlivened the elections and even won Lagos, remaking the political landscape. Tinubu took office facing a struggling economy and persistent insecurity in the north, and now faces these five tests. He is tasked with steadying a “broken system.” 

Is the victory really a victory for Tinubu? Ken Opalo remains bullish on Nigeria because of it spaces for institutional change and experimentation, and highlights the underrated but major shift in its economy. Idayat Hassan provides her analysis of the electoral process. Portia Roelofs provides this excellent analysis. Will Tinubu be able to transform the country?

11.  More coups across the continent

Niger and Gabon had coups that disrupted economies and geopolitics. These are the similarities and differences between the coups. Rahmane Idrissa’s explanation of the coup in Niger provides good context, and Alex Thurston’s analysis of the domestic level political factors is helpful. Ken Opalo provides this excellent explainer on the coup in Gabon, and suggests that Gabon has a possible path toward democratization. Howard French explains the role that France played in Gabonese politics, undermining democratic elections and popular legitimacy.

Nicholas Westcott explains why coups have returned to Africa and what can be done about it. With the spate of coups across the region, African generals are newly emboldened to take power, especially as citizens are frustrated by incumbent regimes and France’s “neocolonial” presence. And, because they are more effective than they were in the past. Despite this, Yousra Elbegir argues that these coups should not be mistaken for “people power.” Ebenezer Obadare discusses the rise of the gangsta militariat.

12.  Libya floods while earthquake rocks Morocco

More than 7,000 people are feared dead from the deadliest flood of the 21^st century in Libya. 25% of Derna, a historical city, is likely destroyed, as these maps show. These photos document the destruction. The flood is devastating families and community. Residents are angry about the government response, and it highlights the corruption and negligence of those in charge. After dams broke in Derna in the east, authorities shut down the internet, limited cellphone coverage, and imprisoned activists who are demanding accountability. This is a helpful background of the politics of the region. The devastation is massive.

At the same time, a devastating earthquake rocked Morocco.  Historic buildings were ruined. Morocco’s elusive king joined the spotlight. The king stepped in to help, as did the country’s ministers. Entire villages were destroyed. What caused the disaster?

13.  Call for climate investments at the Africa Climate Summit

Africa climate week kicked off on September 4. The Africa Climate Summit is a chance to accelerate climate development solutions. African Arguments published this series of pieces that provides a glimpse of climate challenges across the continent. The climate future looks like this commune in South Africa. Lorraine Chiponda argues that the Climate Summit must dare to speak the unspeakable. Kenya’s pitch for green growth sparks justice concerns. This is an important piece on the politics of conservation on the continent.

City leaders called for action on investments and green jobs. This is how Africa can navigate the urban climate paradox. Africa secured $23 billion in climate investment at the summit. Here are some ways to close the climate-finance gap. This is why the summit cannot overlook conflict.

14.  Uganda signs anti-LGBQ law

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law harsh anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, which even prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Kristof Titeca unpacks the geopolitics of the bill. Human rights activists and Western nations were quick to condemn the law. Winnie Byanyima provides this strong rebuke. DeLovie Kwagala calls for an end to the erasure of Uganda’s Queer Community. Rita Abrahamsen warns the anti-LGTBQ+ campaign could spread beyond Uganda’s borders. Here is the state of LGBTQ+ rights across the continent. Kalundi Serumaga examines the well-funded riddles in Uganda’s sexual culture war. Rachel Maddow traces anti-LGBTQ legislation to activists in Arizona. 

15.  We remember

Lots of great scholars and intellectuals died this year, including Professor Michael Lipton, revolutionary socialist John Saul, and John Turner, a tireless and very important advocate for bottom-up, incremental approaches to building housing and neighborhoods, especially for self-help initiatives and autonomy in informal settlements. We celebrate development economist Martin Ravallion, who had a tremendous impact, and our good friend and excellent scholar Keith Weghorst.

RIP Ghanaian author Ama Ata Aidoo, who nurtured and inspired people everywhere and South African political analyst Eusebius McKaiser. A few more: musician and nun Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou, journalist and public intellectual John Nagenda, pioneering filmmaker Safi Faye, South African speaker Frene Ginwala, and former Ivorian president Henri Konan Bédié. And many more.

16.  And some fun links from daily life

Ghana’s funeral troubadours mix reggae, hip-hop, and humor to celebrate the dead. Ghana’s Afrisocks will brighten up your feet—and your day. Hairdressers help with therapy in West Africa. Meet the African artists driving a cultural renaissance. Kenyans imagine the future through running. Baloji returns.

Loving, living, and communal duty. The flavors of Lagos. El Anatsui builds monumental art from daily life. Kehinde Wiley creates these portraits of 11 former and current African heads of state. Makola’s Market Queens. Taking care of each other in Nairobi. Will there be an NFL game in Africa?

Angolan-Mongolian rap. Trevor Noah’s comedy tour highlights South African comedy. The Cuba-trained “Hit Squad” boxers are poised to strike in Dakar. Lagos, from seven vantages. Lindokuhle Sobekwa’s powerful personal journey as a photographer in South Africa. This is how Kofi Ansah has transformed Ghana’s fashion industry. Meet Ebo Taylor, the Ghanaian musician who helped put West African music on the map. Peace Medie on where facts meet fiction. The beauty and burden of being a Nigerian bride.

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci cooked 100 straight hours to break a new world record. Long live Sharhabeel, the King of Sudanese Jazz. The future of Angolan knowledge. The pitfalls of the soft life. The hard-fought journey from Burundi to an award-winning Detroit restaurant. A Uganda dance troupe storms the world. An introduction to “Afrogallonism.” Nanjala Nyabola rides through Lake Turkana. Mountain biking through the Western Cape. It is Africa’s time for architecture. I wish all countries had Morocco’s high speed train. Somalia’s all-women media team are breaking stereotypes. This is an awesome photo. 

Women find their own voice at this Lagos thrift market. Turning Nairobi’s public libraries into ‘palaces for the people.” Kehinde Wiley’s Lagos home is pretty cool. Turning flip flops into art. Angelique Kidjo carries a fierce history. Meet Africa’s NBA stars. Trains into Tamale. Red clay, Tamale. Ibrahim Mahama explains how he is building institutions through art in the Global South.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!!

Jeff and Phil