Africa

Hot Topics

Close-up of a group of kenyan protesters with their arms folded in public demonstrations

Kenya Anti-government Protests

On the anniversary of the deadly 2024 protests against the unpopular Finance Bill, youth-led demonstrations have erupted once again—this time sparked by the death of blogger and former teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang. The protests reflect growing public anger over rising living costs, government corruption, and ongoing police brutality. President William Ruto’s government has responded with violence and censorship. Although Ruto was elected on promises to improve the lives and economic prospects of young and ordinary Kenyans, many believe he has failed to deliver promises.

Kenya Anti-government Protests
Graphic representing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The silhouettes of civilians and soldiers are across a yellow background. The Sudanese flag of red, white, black, and green is in the top right corner. The words ‘Sudan Conflict 2023 – Present' fill the bottom part of the image.

Sudan Conflict 2023

After failed efforts to implement democratic civilian-led rule, Mid-April saw the beginning of intense fighting between two main factions of the Sudanese military regime. With hundreds already dead, fears of an all-out civil war are spreading internationally as the power struggle is creating further instability in this volatile part of Africa. Thousands of refugees are fleeing as the conflict intensifies and food and basic supplies are compromised. In a battle for further influence, involvement from Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK has added further complexity to the situation.

Sudan Conflict 2023

Tigray Conflict

The Ethiopian army has been at war against the TPLF and the regional government of Tigray since early November. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the military campaign after Tigray elected a regional administration in defiance of the central government and attacked an Ethiopian military post in their regional capital Mekele. Since then, reports of attacks on civilians in the region have increased and many have fled to the neighboring state of Sudan. The central government denied targeting civilians but we see a humanitarian crisis that could get even worse in the next few weeks.

Tigray Conflict
Man holding a Nigerian flag

Nigerian Presidential Election

Africa's largest democracy held its seventh election, plagued by logistical problems and accusations of fraud. The result was a victory for the ruling party, with Bola Tinubu named the winner, the results have been contested by two of the main opposition candidates, and international observers complained of a lack of transparency. Biometric voter identification was introduced this year, but there were glitches in the system that led to disparities between manual and computer counts. Tinubu has been accused in the past of corruption and money laundering, but has never been charged.

Nigerian Presidential Election
Senegal President Macky Sall delivering a formal address.

Senegal 2024 - Democracy under attack

Since gaining independence in 1960, Senegal has never experienced a coup d'état and is consistently regarded as the most stable democracy in the region. Despite attempts by past leaders to extend their terms, Senegal is known for its stability and successful democratic transitions of power. Once again, President Macky Sall announced the postponement of scheduled elections from 25 February to 15 December. On 6 February, the parliament voted to postpone the elections, drawing strong opposition from lawmakers on the other side of the aisle, who called the move a coup d'état. This decision sparked widespread civilian demonstrations across the country, which were met with repression and government-imposed restrictions on internet access.

Senegal 2024 - Democracy under attack
A paint splattered image of the Niger Flag, with three horisontal stripes orange, white, and green. There is an orange circle in the centre of the flag in the white stripe

Military Coup Niger 2023

July 26th saw the country's 5th military coup since its independence from France in 1960. Condemned by ECOWAS the crisis in Niger began when president Bazoum was detained by guard commander general Tchiani who declared himself as the new leader. Adding more chaos to the Sahel region, they have since ignored the deadline to reinstate the president.

Military Coup Niger 2023
Many people wait for water at the water tank at a refugee camp in the DRC

DRC Conflict

DRC is a country that has been trapped in a cycle of violence and political instability. With more than 13 million people needing humanitarian aid and 4.5 million Congolese displaced, this conflict threats to outbreak into a civil war similar to the one suffered by the country from 1997 to 2003 in which five million people died.

DRC Conflict