In this article, Paul Nantulya examines China’s growing security footprint in Africa, reflecting the Communist Party’s global ambitions. Through the 2025–2027 FOCAC action plan, Beijing expands military cooperation: training programs, joint drills, arms exports, and infrastructure support. Countries such as Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, and Namibia are central partners. While China offers affordable weaponry and avoids political conditionality, its governance model—focused on regime stability—raises concerns. Chinese arms have ended up in the hands of militants, and surveillance technology is often used to suppress political dissent. Though many African governments see Chinese support as strategic, civil societies fear increased authoritarian tendencies. China's security engagement is expected to continue growing, underscoring the need for transparency, stronger export controls, and civic oversight to ensure it aligns with citizens’ interests.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Information

The April–May 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin (No. 40), published by Action Against Hunger and the Billital Maroobé Network, assesses the pastoral situation in Senegal. It highlights north-to-south transhumance movements, with herds arriving from Mauritania and leaving toward Mali. Although vegetation cover is generally adequate, notable deficits persist in northern regions. Water resources are largely sufficient but rely heavily on boreholes. Animal diseases, livestock theft, and conflicts between herders and farmers are reported. On markets, male cattle prices rose significantly, and rice prices remained high compared to the five-year average. The bulletin urges strengthened pastoral infrastructure, conflict resolution training, and support to local transhumance committees to manage regional vulnerabilities and ensure resource access and livestock security during the pastoral lean season.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Information

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on July 5, 2023 (updated May 10, 2024), details Russia’s extensive interference across Africa aimed at undermining democracy. Russia employs both official means (UN resolution blocks) and irregular tactics (disinformation, Wagner paramilitary group, illicit arms deals) to bolster authoritarian regimes and obstruct democratic transitions. Russian influence has been documented in 28 African countries. The report highlights how disinformation campaigns, electoral manipulation, and support for unconstitutional power grabs are interwoven to sustain anti-democratic governance. This strategy weakens institutions, distorts public discourse, and undermines the will of African citizens who largely support democracy. The analysis warns of long-term consequences for national sovereignty and democratic resilience across the continent.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Democracy, Election, Gold, Influence, Infowar, Information

The article “L’influence des leaders religieux musulmans sur la politique au Mali”, by Pape Abdou Ndour (Bah Traoré), published April 14, 2023 by WATHI, examines the growing political influence of Muslim religious leaders in Mali. Although Mali is officially secular, religious dignitaries have strengthened their role: they sway public opinion, direct voting behaviour, pressure the government, and can influence law adoption (such as the 2009 Family Code). The piece highlights figures like Mahmoud Dicko and the High Islamic Council, who played roles in political crises—organizing protests, mediating conflicts, and influencing constitutional reforms. The debate over secularism has resurfaced with a new constitution: some leaders advocate for an “Islamic” or multiconfessional state and oppose secularism. The author emphasizes the leaders’ roles as mediators, political influencers, and sometimes decisive actors in Mali’s political life.

Culture, Politics, Governance, Influence

This article examines Africa's structural dependence on external actors in its technology sector, particularly highlighting cyber vulnerability risks. The continent’s ICT infrastructure is largely dominated by Chinese and American firms, raising serious questions about digital sovereignty. The author presents Africa’s tech stack in five layers (apps, operating systems, consumer products, infrastructure, service providers) and details global actors’ market shares. Despite foreign influence, African governments and firms retain strategic agency, illustrated by emerging cybersecurity regulations and homegrown innovation. The article urges African states to prioritize cybersecurity, promote supplier diversity, and better adapt technology choices to local needs. Reducing overreliance on foreign actors and strengthening national capacities are framed as key to safeguarding Africa’s digital future.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Influence, Private sector, Information

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of socio-economic and democratic progress achieved under elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum. Prior to the coup, Niger was experiencing steady economic growth, reduced extremist violence, and institutional strengthening. Since the junta's takeover, conditions have worsened: a surge in terrorist attacks, a dramatic drop in economic forecasts, rising food prices, erosion of press freedom, suspension of democratic bodies, and a wave of pro-Russian disinformation. The junta dismantled transparency mechanisms and compromised national sovereignty, notably by granting concessions to Russian-affiliated groups like Africa Corps. These actions jeopardize both domestic and regional stability, underscoring the critical role of democratic governance in sustainable development and citizen empowerment.

State, Sovereignty, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Infowar, Information, Coup d'État, Disinformation

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of democratic and socio-economic progress. Under democratically elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum, Niger had made significant advances in security, economic growth, governance, and press freedom. Since the junta took power, these achievements have deteriorated: a 67% increase in terrorism-related deaths, economic decline, media repression, loss of civil liberties, and decreased transparency. The junta has also strengthened ties with Russia, enabling disinformation and controversial mining concessions. The dissolution of elected institutions and militarization of governance reflect a major crisis in national sovereignty and democratic order. This regression not only destabilizes Niger but has broader implications for West African regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Democracy, Gold, Human security, Medias, Infowar, Information

The article outlines the evolution of U.S. policy in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel. Initially focused on diplomatic engagement during the Cold War, the policy shifted in the 1990s to address economic and security challenges. Initiatives like AGOA, PEPFAR, and Power Africa were introduced. Militarily, the establishment of AFRICOM in 2007 signaled a commitment to counterterrorism efforts. Programs such as the Pan-Sahelian Initiative aimed to strengthen the capacities of Sahelian countries. The article also highlights U.S.-France collaboration in counterterrorism, while advocating for greater transparency and a shift towards actions that promote socio-economic development.

Governance, Influence

This report documents the sharp rise in disinformation campaigns across Africa—from 50 in 2022 to 189 in 2024—with nearly 60% sponsored by foreign state actors, chiefly Russia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. West Africa is the most targeted region, with 72 campaigns, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These campaigns aim to shape political narratives, undermine democracy, support military coups, and discredit international institutions. Russia-linked networks, including Wagner, have been central in the Sahel. The report also highlights increasing domestic disinformation, notably during Kenya’s 2022 and Nigeria’s 2023 elections, as well as growing involvement of Islamist militant groups. Disinformation is spreading rapidly due to social media use and declining press freedom, posing a significant threat to stability, civil rights, and democratic governance across the continent.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Influence, Infowar, Information