The contest for the leadership at the African National Congress's elective conference between 16 and 20 December exposes deep division in Africa's oldest political party. The ANC is split between supporters and opponents of Jacob Zuma, who is due to stand down as the party's president but to remain South Africa's president until 2019. The two factions…
On 14 November, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces seized control of key state institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, and placed President Robert Mugabe under house arrest. Within just 10 days, a peaceful militarily-managed transition had replaced Mugabe with Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s former Vice President. Earlier in November Mnangagwa had been…
Following an unprecedented military coup, hopes are high that Zimbabwe's new government will implement significant policy reforms and deliver on expectations for peace and economic reform. However, on closer inspection, the political and economic changes available to the new incumbent are likely to be limited, argues Reinet Loubser
The arrest of one of Nigeria's most notorious kidnap kingpins, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, has been hailed as a potential turning point in the battle against criminally-motivated kidnappings in the country. Yet, the case has also exposed the sophistication of kidnap gangs in Nigeria and why perpetrators continue to elude law enforcement, argues Reinet…
The Mali-based group, Jamaat Nasr al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), is currently holding five foreign nationals captive in northern Mali. This has put the group in a lucrative position, as the phased release of hostages following ransom payments will offer useful cash injections to prolong JNIM's armed campaign, writes Gabrielle Reid.
A spate of attacks in Angola in 2016 highlights the growing threat of kidnappings in the oil-dependent country, a threat which is unlikely to subside quickly, writes Gabrielle Reid
Further political unrest in Kenya is likely as the main opposition party, the Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD), attempts to undermine the Jubilee government's hold over the 2017 elections, writes the S-RM East Africa Team.
While President Buhari's anti-corruption campaign has hadsome successes, businesses are facing increased scrutiny of their operations, writes Gabrielle Reid
Following six months of protests in Oromia, the S-RM East Africa Team examines the Oromo movement and potential for sustained insecurity in Ethiopia.
Recent terrorist activity in Tanzania has shone new light on the terrorism threat in the country, as these events highlight growing sympathy with Islamic State in the region, writes Gabrielle Reid
Despite an increase in US airstrikes against Al Shabaab targets in Somalia in March 2016, the recent increase in tempo does not represent a major shift in US strategy, argues Harriet Pape.
The peace process in South Sudan aimed at ending the ongoing civil war is faltering. Despite protracted efforts, there appears to be little peace to keep in the country now facing new sources of conflict, writes Gabrielle Reid.