Digital authoritarianism is a new way governments are trying to control citizens using digital and information technology. It is a growing concern for advocacy groups and those interested in freedom and democracy.…
The 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York began in September 2025 under the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” This theme likely…
What began in late September as Madagascar’s student demonstrations over crippling electricity outages and water shortages quickly evolved into broader demands for political reform. It became a call to dismantle a system…
Demonstrations for the release of a separatist leader in Nigeria’s capital city turned violent on Monday as police fired tear gas and arrested dozens of protesters, as well as a journalist with French news…
Groups are increasingly using weaponized drones across the continent. Editor’s Note: Drones are changing the nature of warfare, and their use in Ukraine and possible use in various China-related scenarios has received considerable…
Picture this: an artificial intelligence (AI) system creates a bright, youth-focused social media post for young Kenyans, complete with local slang and the phrase “YOUNG, LIT, AND VAXXED!” This message tackles the…
Abubakar Shekau, the erstwhile leader of the terrorist group Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), died in 2021. The west African group, also known as Boko Haram, then fell into…
The formal launch of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September 2025 made news across the world. There was pomp and ceremony as Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam was officially inaugurated after 14…
As Tanzania’s national elections approach, a familiar humdrum of coverage has emerged. It goes like this. In its crackdowns, censorship and harassment of the opposition, Tanzania is becoming increasingly repressive. President Samia…
For most of the past 25 years, Chinese construction companies operating in Africa could count on generous financial backing from Chinese banks. Between 2000 and 2019, Chinese funders committed almost US$50 billion…
