Africa | IPS Journal

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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

picture alliance / AP | Carlos Uqueio

Democracy and society

Two presidents, one divided nation

Mozambique remains in crisis after disputed elections exposed long-standing economic and political struggles. Where does the country go from here?

By Egídio Chaimite

picture alliance / AP | Misper Apawu

Democracy and society

Threatening a hard-won peace

Over 20 years after Sierra Leone’s civil war, polarisation, weak governance and economic challenges threaten the country’s post-conflict recovery

By Zikora Ibeh

picture alliance / Zoonar | Alexander Limbach

Work and digitalisation

The AI revolution is at home in Africa

For too long, African countries have been sidelined from the digital revolution. Now is the time to change that

By Cina Lawson

picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dirk Heinrich

Democracy and society

A questionable victory

Namibia’s historic election ushers in its first female president, but flaws in the process cast a shadow over SWAPO’s victory

By Hajo Lanz