Although April 2017 will be an important month in South Africa's democratic trajectory, decisions within the ruling party, expected to come to the fore in December 2017, remain the primary determinant in the country's future, writes Gabrielle Reid
A two-year downturn in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) trade with, and investment in, Sub-Saharan Africa, has seen Turkey emerge as a new player in the continent through its pursuit of a non-coercive ‘soft power' approach, writes Thomas Parker
Although Kenya has experienced an increase in Al Shabaab attacks in its northern counties in recent months, fears regarding a potential resurgence in high-profile kidnap and ransom initiatives may be premature, writes Reinet Loubser
The second quarter of 2017 has seen a resurgence in Somalia-based pirate attacks against commercial vessels. This comes as key partners prematurely scale back counterpiracy operations despite onshore drivers of this maritime threat, writes Gabrielle Reid
The ruling administration faces significant challenges ahead of the general elections in 2018, including calls for a united opposition, unprecedented civil unrest and deepening fractions within the party. The volatile situation is likely to make for a violent election season, writes Reinet Loubser
Having won office on a campaign of zero tolerance for graft and the promise of government efficiency, Tanzanian President John Magufuli's populist fervor has since turned to the country's mining sector. While it is clear the incumbent has long-term development goals in mind, short-term losses in investor confidence will prove costly, writes Gabrielle…
In an unprecedented decision, on 1 September Kenya's Supreme Court annulled, by a margin of 4 to 2, President Kenyatta's election victory of the previous month. As Kenya waits for the re-run, currently scheduled for 17 October, Ben Connery considers the impact on Kenya's longer-term political and economic prospects.
While the latest alert issued by the US Embassy in Pretoria has many concerned about the terrorist threat in the country, the warning has also raised questions around South Africa's capability to counter any future threat, writes Gabrielle Reid.
Despite a truce, fears of an eventual resurgence of violence between the ruling FRELIMO party and longstanding rebel-group-turned-political-party, RENAMO, are rightly preoccupying investors; nonetheless, they should not neglect to address popular grievances in the north and west of Mozambique, which are being driven by the fast pace of development in…
Kenya faces terrorist attacks and persistent ethnic tensions in parts of the country. Yet it remains politically stable, and recent nationwide rallies – often flashpoints for ethnic violence –passed peacefully. Nevertheless, the country's security is undermined by its political leadership, which remains focused on domestic politicking, writes Sharon…
Weak governments and miscalculated counter-terrorism strategies have contributed to a recent upsurge in terrorist attacks in eastern Africa. While international allegiances have the potential to combat terrorist threats, inward-looking policies and entrenched ethnic divisions threaten to undermine security initiatives in the region, writes Sharon Cheramboss.…