Subsaharan Africa

Many experts struggled to explain why the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma, who is accused of corruption, sparked such violent riots. But the hardship faced by South Africa’s unemployed and impoverished youth is such that unrest was unavoidable. Unless underlying socioeconomic issues are addressed, the region will remain unstable.

When a popular opposition politician was arrested on rape charges, Senegal erupted into protests. More and more young citizens resent the ruling elite and hope to see a new generation of politicians come to power. This growing dissent may prompt the government to adopt an increasingly authoritarian stance.

States in Southern Africa are still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, and governments in the region are adopting emergency laws that could have a long-lasting impact on democratic processes in the region. Even when the health crisis eases, there is no guarantee that national leaders will redistribute powers to lower ...

Addis Ababa maintains its forces have quelled the rebellion in the Tigray region, but tensions endure, conflicts multiply, and this may lead to a full-blown, multiethnic civil war in Ethiopia. The consequences for both the country and the region could be profound.