This Week in Africa

Quote of the week

“Food has the ability to evolve in all the ways that life does, going beyond dreams, ideas, thoughts, intent, hope and good will. It lets us experience liberty from trauma.” – Yewande Komolafe, on Ọbẹ̀ onírù

DR Congo’s war

M23 advances to the city of Uvira, a strategic city that borders Burundi in South Kivu. Some analysts say the M23 now controls the city. More than 200,000 people were forced to flee. A new investigation finds that M23 is using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. The advance comes despite the recent peace agreement brokered by President Trump. Clearly, Trump has not ended the war, and the security strategy remains “myopic.” Paul Kagame praises Trump for de-emphasizing democracy, freedom, and human rights.

Failed coup in Benin

Coup plotters failed in their attempt to overthrow Benin’s government. The president vows retribution. West African troops overturned Benin’s coup but watched others pass by. Chris Ogunmodede reflects. Was the attempted coup a surprise?

Sudan’s civil war

The Rapid Support Forces have taken control of crucial oil fields in the strategic, southern oil-rich regions. The advance could contribute to a new major refugee exodus. Mass atrocities should not be a new normal. The UAE’s funding of the RSF is beginning to threaten their relationship to the West. Sudan’s civil war is worsening a major humanitarian crisis. Here are some thoughts about how to stop Sudan’s collapse. One way to move forward is to support Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms. The groups won the 2025 Chatham House Prize.

Lina Abushouk reflects on Khartoum, and argues that it must move beyond selfishness and think about the entire country.

Ethiopia’s ambitions

Ethiopia braces big projects, but its ambitions risk regional tensions. Yohannes Woldemariam outlines the ideological basis behind Ethiopia’s imperial ambitions.

Insecurity and instability

James Barnett examines religion, ethnicity, and the Jihadist search for a holy war in Nigeria. William Nomikos explains the Islamist siege in Mali. Alex Laskaris and Olivier Walther argue that Mali’s junta is the architect of its own disaster. Jon Temin examines the escalating violence against civilians in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Marten Boas’ Sahel: The Perfect Storm provides helpful background. Simone Schnabel outlines the challenges in the region.

Tanzania’s democratic erosion

Andy Currier calls for global accountability with ...