Following the recent closure of a prominent bar and eatery in central Cape Town, Richard Gardiner discusses the current dynamics driving extortion in the city’s hospitality industry, the tactics used by the extortionists and why it is unlikely to change any time soon.
13 years into the construction of the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, nine months since a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, and one month after a defence agreement between Somalia and Egypt, tensions in the Horn of Africa are on the rise. Osob Dahir examines these growing regional divides and their potential to…
Ukraine’s claims of supporting the Tuareg rebel attack on Malian and Wagner forces in July were poorly received in West Africa, complicating Ukraine’s efforts to improve its influence on the continent. Richard Gardiner explores the dangers of Ukraine mimicking Russia’s Africa strategy, highlighting instead the benefits of playing the longer diplomacy…
Global defence spend has accelerated in recent years, reaching historic highs in many countries. Tamsin Hunt examines some of the developments driving increased military spending around the world.
The strong links between criminal groups in South Africa and Mozambique have led to the development of sophisticated kidnapping syndicates in both countries. Richard Gardiner explores the factors that have facilitated these ties and why the current situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.
In recent years, South African politics have been characterised by corruption scandals, poor service delivery, and a population disillusioned by the socioeconomic benefits democracy has offered thus far. With the country facing a pressing need to pivot from its trajectory, Zaynab Hoosen explores key actions necessary for the new administration to strengthen…
The recent arrest of French journalist Antoine Galindo has once again put an international spotlight on the state of press freedom in Ethiopia. With armed conflicts and political tensions persisting in the country, the threat of wrongful detention against journalists is on the rise, writes Zaynab Hoosen.
Since November 2023, there has been a spate of pirate attacks off the Somali coast. Richard Gardiner discusses the factors behind these recent incidents and argues that while these developments are concerning, we are unlikely to see a return to the levels of Somali piracy experienced over a decade ago.
Longstanding political tensions and socio-economic grievances in the country are unlikely to be resolved swiftly despite election promises. These factors could instigate more unrest in the future regardless of the government of the day, writes Zaynab Hoosen. *
Global power balances are shifting, with consequences for both nation-states and businesses. Tamsin Hunt and Asees Bajaj explore the growing fractures in the geopolitical landscape, and assess the sources of disruption that may trigger long-term change.
S-RM spoke to Paul Padman, Deputy Head of Crisis Response, about some of the global trends in kidnapping, political evacuations and wrongful detention cases, and to hear about some of the key considerations for S-RM’s Crisis Response team when they are working on a live case.
While organised crime is often thought to occur on the fringes of society, a combination of shifting trafficking routes, migration, and socio-economic challenges are increasingly facilitating gang rivalries that have driven brazen, often indiscriminate violence in tourist hubs and major urban centres, writes Erin Drake.