Africa | IPS Journal

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picture alliance / AP | Thoko Chikondi

Democracy and society

When tomorrow looks like yesterday

A former Malawian president, once seen as a symbol of failure, now tempts voters again — proof that economic despair can rewrite political memory

By Golden Matonga

picture alliance / Anadolu | Gerald Anderson

Democracy and society

Rising giant or fading echo?

The Gen Z protests have made Kenya’s youth impossible to ignore — the question is whether they can now remake politics itself

By Charles Wachira

picture alliance / Reuters | Temilade Adelaja

Democracy and society

First to respond, last in line

Excluding Nigerian responders from key decisions doesn’t just ignore local knowledge — it entrenches a model of aid built far from the crisis

By Taofik Oyewo Hussain

picture alliance / AP | Moses Sawasawa

Foreign and security policy

Reimagining global health

Dismissing Africa as a ‘junior partner’ when it comes to shaping health policy isn’t just outdated — it’s a strategic failure with global consequences

By Atunde Ahmed Olarewaju

picture alliance / photothek | Thomas Imo

Foreign and security policy

When distant wars hit close to home

From fuel prices to defence gaps, Africa’s reliance on global systems is being tested by far-off crises. Stronger local frameworks are needed

By Zikora Ibeh

picture alliance / abaca | ABACA

Democracy and society

Pope Francis opened the door for queer Africans

— will Pope Leo XIV keep it open?

By Zikora Ibeh

picture alliance / Reuters | Marvellous Durowaiye

Economy and ecology

Fifty and fractured

Half a century after ECOWAS promised peace and prosperity, three breakaway states are testing West African solidarity, sparking a potential trade war

By Zikora Ibeh

picture alliance / Anadolu | Gerald Anderson

Economy and ecology

An ocean of gold but no water to drink

Privatisation was once heralded as the key to Africa’s economic revitalisation. Decades later, the reality looks very different

By Sefa Ikpa

picture alliance / Matrix Images | Tife Owolabi

Economy and ecology

Fleeing the crime scene

Oil companies are scrambling to leave the Niger Delta, where they have been extracting the black gold for decades — with devastating consequences

By Zikora Ibeh

picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | Janvier Barhahiga

Foreign and security policy

The war we aren’t watching

Rwanda isn’t in eastern DRC because of an immediate threat — it’s there for the long haul

By Kristof Titeca