West Africa

Explaining the recent history of democracy in the two West African countries, and the importance of elections in 2023.

Where does deforestation occur, why is it happening, and what can be done to prevent it?

Short video explaining how the Policy for Recovery Series provides careful analysis and evidence-based policy solutions for Africa.

Organized violence targeting civilians is a serious problem in some African states but the word terrorism is rarely a useful description for such fluid, complex, and long-term conflicts.

Throughout 2020, pandemic lockdowns have been punctuated by mass movements calling for political change. What characteristics allow such protests to make an impact?

Private investment is key to closing the vast gap in climate finance, but too little is reaching the world’s most vulnerable countries. COP29 is an opportunity to change this, writes Thierry Watrin.

The organization has failed to give voice to the Global South and the countries it most represents. With new approaches to peacekeeping and trade, an African secretary-general can change this, writes ’Funmi Olonisakin.

Tighisti Amare talks to Michael Palin and producer Segilola Arisekola about their new documentary series, and Chatham House’s work on governance in Nigeria.

This episode discusses transnational links between the movement of people and armed conflict – from Edo State in Nigeria, through Niger, to Libya.

Experts discuss recent developments in Niger and transnational conflict dynamics across the Sahel.

From a year of elections, to multiple summits, as well as conflict hotspots and debt burdens, 2024 will bring mixed fortunes for the African continent.

Noo Saro-Wiwa, author of ‘Black Ghosts’, and BBC journalist Danny Vincent discuss China’s African community and the country’s ‘pragmatic’ attitudes to race.

The former top American general tells Lynne O’Donnell about the threat of China, how Ukraine has changed warfare and why the West must focus on Africa.

From major elections to the AI boom, here are the issues six of our expert contributors expect to make the news in the year ahead.

Guests from governments, business and regional organizations gathered to discuss how to make the best of the green commodity boom.

This episode takes us on a journey of discovery through the Ghanaian gold mining industry, and the illegal artisanal gold mining.

It is unclear whether the Niger coup can be reversed without further destabilizing the region. But ECOWAS must contain democratic erosion across West Africa.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, discusses the response to the coup in Niger, and outlines the organization’s strategic vision.

African leaders who went to St Petersburg expecting tangible results from Putin’s promised new programme of support for Africa will undoubtedly have concluded that Russia is unable to offer what they need.

The historian tells Mike Higgins about the corporation’s contentious role in apartheid’s last years and how its outreach work empowers women and attracts criticism.

Explaining the recent history of democracy in the two West African countries, and the importance of elections in 2023.

Dr Comfort Ero discusses the challenges and innovations that emerged from the interlinked peace processes in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Pro-LGBTQ legislation needs upholding, particularly in an era of conservative repression, writes Graeme Reid.

A special episode with HE Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).

Where does deforestation occur, why is it happening, and what can be done to prevent it?

This episode examines the violence and harm caused by these illicit practices, and the international responses to them as part of an XCEPT project mini-series.

Major Chathurika Bombuwala speaks to Gitika Bhardwaj for International Women’s Day about her experience serving as a soldier in Sri Lanka, which is facing its worst economic crisis since 1948, and in the Western Sahara, a territory that has been disputed since 1975, as part of a series exploring women in international affairs.

African countries face collective climate and job creation-related challenges, yet policymaking often remains regionally siloed.

Ahead of Nigeria’s most technologically advanced election, the security of its election infrastructure is under intense scrutiny.

Episode ten discusses Africa and the complex role China plays on the continent, and how the world should be responding to the major conflicts of 2023.

Despite few African trade and financial links with Russia and Ukraine, the war in Ukraine will cause civil strife in Africa due to food and energy inflation.

Highlighting key interventions from African policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and civil society voices on green financing and implementation plans.

A global approach is the only way to tackle debt distress in Africa. This will require strategic cooperation between China, the West and African nations.

At the US-Africa Leaders Summit, Washington will need to go beyond strategic geopolitical interest to compete with China’s offer, says James Orr.

From nuclear proliferation to African debt, here are the issues six of our expert contributors expect to make the news in the year ahead.