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Africa in Transition

Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is seen at the Federal high court in Abuja, Nigeria on January 20, 2016.
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is seen at the Federal high court in Abuja, Nigeria on January 20, 2016. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
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Ethnonationalist Rumblings

by Ebenezer Obadare May 9, 2024

Why seeming democratic progress has failed to staunch agitation for self-determination in Nigeria. Read More

South Africa
Mutual Suspicion Grates U.S.-South Africa Relations
Tensions in the U.S.-South Africa relationship only heighten as both countries head towards national elections. 
Blog Post by Michelle Gavin May 3, 2024 Africa in Transition
Nigeria
The Record Breakers
Nigerians’ seemingly coordinated assault on the Guinness World Records offers a didactic lens into the national psyche and the state of the nation.
Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare April 22, 2024 Africa in Transition
LGBTQ+
How (Not) to Talk About Sex in Africa
It is time the LGBTQ+ coalition changed its strategy on the continent.
Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare April 8, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Nigeria
    When Disability Meets Privilege
    Authorities in Nigeria squander an opportunity to make a statement about human dignity and genuine social inclusion.
    Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare April 1, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Humanitarian Intervention
    When Non-Intervention Becomes a Dogma
    Sometimes the only thing worse than foreign intervention is non-intervention.
    Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare March 27, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Nigeria
    The Ride of Their Lives
    More than a mere automobile, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Nigeria is rich in social meaning.
    Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare March 19, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Religion
    A King and His Subjects
    The relationship between a Nigerian pastor on death row and his congregation offers a timely glimpse into the nature of devotion and social obedience across African Pentecostal churches. 
    Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare March 11, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Chad
    Chad’s “Democratic” Transition
    In assessing Chad’s upcoming elections, the junta’s actions should speak louder than their words.    
    Blog Post by Michelle Gavin March 4, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Guinea
    Guinea’s Junta Feels the Heat
    As external actors seem to lessen pressure on West Africa’s juntas, Guineans register their discontent with military governance.
    Blog Post by Michelle Gavin February 29, 2024 Africa in Transition
  • Nigeria
    The Case Against Military Rule
    Nigeria needs a change of direction, not a change of government.  
    Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare February 26, 2024 Africa in Transition