Sub-Saharan Africa
The AFCON 2025 Title Will Be Decided in a Swiss Court
The highly disputed African Cup of Nations championship match between Morocco and Senegal is headed to a Swiss court for a second bout. The initial result declaring Senegal the victor was reversed, with Morocco usurping the title in an unforeseen decision by an African tribunal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport will decide who takes home the trophy.
Ethiopia’s War in Tigray from a Regional Perspective
As war returns to Tigray four years later, the current security and diplomatic situation in the Horn of Africa could permit this conflict to take on a more regional scope. As Ethiopia accuses Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting rebel Tigrayan forces and enters an agreement with Somaliland for coastal access, the matter is more than simply a domestic conflict.
List of African Nations in Third-Country Deportation Agreements with the US Continues to Grow
As the Trump administration continues to ramp up mass deportation efforts, more and more countries across Africa are agreeing to receive migrants expelled from the US. Deportation deals involve millions of dollars, lots of pressure, and little assurance.
Renewed Conflict in Ethiopia Threatens Pretoria Peace Agreement
Renewed fighting has erupted in northern Ethiopia, following the formation of a new alliance of armed groups, raising concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Tigray. The groups have declared to overthrow the Abiy Ahmed administration, years after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement ended the previous war.
The UN Adopts Non-binding Resolution for a New World Map
A recently adopted United Nations measure calls for a shift away from the traditional map model, challenging centuries of cartographic colonialism in everyday use, education, and perception. The Mercator projection has been entrenched in our daily educational, technical, and governmental use. A Togo-sponsored resolution encourages members to adopt the Equal Earth projection, an alternative that corrects generations of cartographic distortion.
South Africa’s Ramaphosa Implements Measures to Combat Gender-Based Violence
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, addressed the nation after a series of killings across the country left 12 women dead and people across the country calling for further government accountability in ending femicide.
Eastern DRC: Peace Negotiations Continue as Conflict Persists
The two main diplomatic processes aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between DRC and Rwanda and the Doha Process between the Congolese government and the rebel coalition AFC/M23. Recent reports cite major territorial gains by the AFC/M23 amid continued violence and displacement.
Op-ed: The Pope’s Trip to Africa Highlights Catholic Diplomacy, as Cameroon Ceasefire Shows Faith’s Peace Role
During Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visit to Africa, Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis reached a ceasefire in anticipation of the Pope’s arrival. This halt in violence signals hope for the region and symbolizes the role of the Catholic Church in diplomacy.
The Shakeup of Mali’s Junta
On April 25th, 2026, a series of coordinated attacks by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda linked militants resulted in the killing of the Malian Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara. Further attacks were directed toward the Malian President, Colonel Assimi Goïta.
A New Scramble: Critical Minerals and Competition in Sub-Saharan Africa
Precious minerals are abundant resources in Africa, driving nations to maximize revenue; with growing geopolitical polarization, this could signal a shift in ownership.
Pope Leo’s Ten-Day Tour of Africa
Pope Leo embarked on a tour of Africa on April 13, 2026, and was set to visit Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Op-ed: Budget Performance Crisis: Why African Governments Publish Forecasts They Won’t Keep
Governments across sub-Saharan Africa routinely miss their own budget targets—an IMF study shows why these gaps persist and how political incentives drive the cycle.
The UN Recognizes the Enslavement of African People as the “Gravest Crime Against Humanity”
The resolution recognizing the enslavement of African people as the “gravest crime against humanity” was proposed by Ghana and passed in a 123 to 3 vote, with 52 nations abstaining.
Ethiopian and Kenyan-driven growth projects success for the East African Region
With growing investment and expansion, two East African nations: Ethiopia and Kenya have are two engines promoting success regionally and internationally, leading to a growth rate more than double the global average.
The Return of Rhinos to Uganda’s Kipedo National Park
This marks a milestone for Uganda’s wildlife conservation practices while shedding light on current and future conservation methods throughout the African continent.
Guinea’s Military Government Dissolves 40 Political Parties
Guinea’s military-led government has dissolved 40 of the nation’s political parties, further consolidating government power while echoing a growing trend in the Sahel region.
Attack Resurges the Possibility of a Civil War in South Sudan
Many are worried following the attack on Abiemnom County that South Sudan will be catapulted back into a civil war.
Recent U.S.-African Health Agreements Face Backlash
Backlash grows as U.S.-African health deals raise questions about lack of mutual benefits.
Weeks-Long Fuel Blockade in Mali Continues to Worsen
Mali, a country of 25 million people, has faced a weeks-long fuel shortage due to a blockade on fuel imports by jihadi militants. Daily life in Mali has been deeply disrupted, with basic necessities such as medical services having their services disrupted due to a lack of fuel.
Blood-Stained Ground Visible From Space as RSF Carries out Systematic Mass Killings in El-Fasher
Sudan's paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces, seized El-Fasher, a city in southwestern Sudan that was the Sudanese Armed Forces' last stronghold in the Darfur Region. Since seizing El-Fasher, the RSF has begun a campaign of systematic mass killings in the city and its surroundings.