Into Africa

Judd Devermont is joined by Anouar Boukhars (African Center for Strategic Studies), Jason Warner (United States Military Academy in West Point), and Emily Estelle (American Enterprise Institute) to discuss the dangers of overemphasizing or underselling the ties between regional groups and global Jihadi networks. Guests also cover French President Macron's decision to draw down Operation Barkhane in the Sahel and the ADF's links to the Islamic state in Eastern Congo. Background Readings: A Course Correction for the Sahel Stabilisation Strategy - International Crisis Group The Islamic State in Africa: The Emergence, Evolution, and Future of the Next Jihadist Battlefront - Jason Warner, Ryan Cummings, and Ryan O'Farrell The Islamic State has ‘provinces’ in Africa. That doesn’t mean what you might think - Jason Warner Swapping jerseys: What changes when African extremists join the Islamic State? - Emily Estelle DRC: Designating the ADF - Jason Warner False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel - Judd Devermont  Déby’s Dead. What’s Next for Chad and the Sahel? - Judd Devermont Rethinking Crisis Responses in the Sahel - Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Centering Civilian Protection in Northern Mozambique - Emilia Columbo and Kelly Moss The Logic of Violence in Africa’s Extremist Insurgencies - Anouar Boukhars Keeping Terrorism at Bay in Mauritania - Anouar Boukhars

Investigative journalism in Africa is entering a golden age. What trends underpin new access to and the dissemination of hidden information? Judd Devermont is joined by journalists Micah Reddy (amaBhungane), Peter Murimi (BBC Africa Eye), and Khadija Sharife (OCCRP) to discuss the realities facing media houses today. Other topics include the recent explosions in Equatorial Guinea and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.  Background Materials: I am Samuel Film - Directed by Peter Murimi   Congo-Brazzaville Strongman Buys Secret Weapons Haul from Azerbaijan - Khadija Sharife and Mark Anderson  BBC Africa Eye: The Baby Stealers - Peter Murimi, Joel Gunter and Tom Watson

How does populism manifest itself in sub-Saharan Africa in comparison to other regions? As part of a special live episode with a class at the University of San Francisco, Judd Devermont is joined by Kathleen Klaus (University of San Francisco), Chiponda Chimbelu (Deutsche Welle), and Danielle Resnick (International Food Policy Research Institute) to discuss factors that enable populist leaders to gain political sway in Africa. Guests also unpack the strengths and weaknesses of Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and discuss Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s decision to run for a “third term,” as well as what it means for the democratic trajectory of the country.   Background Readings: Political Violence in Kenya: Land, Elections, and Claim-Making – Kathleen Klaus  There’s a long, troubling history behind the Capitol attack – Kathleen Klaus and Aditia Malik  Africa and the Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy – Judd Devermont  Populism in Africa, The Oxford Handbook of Populism – Danielle Resnick

How do African media outlets portray politics, economics, and cultural life in their own countries and in the broader region? Aanu Adeoye (The Continent), Moky Makura (Africa No Filter), and Yinka Adegoke (Rest of World) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on how increased media coverage on Africa and a focus on human-interest stories can foster unity and drive continental potential. Guests also discuss the impact of Tanzanian President Magufuli’s previous denial of Covid-19, and Africa’s path to economic recovery over the next few years.   Background Readings: The country where Covid-19 doesn’t exist: Nothing to see here, says Tanzania’s president – The Continent Unfinished Business: Magufuli’s Autocratic Rule in Tanzania – Marielle Harris   Africa’s diversified economies are set to rebound quicker than its extractive giants – Yinka Adegoke How African Media Covers Africa – Africa No Filter

How do we go beyond rhetoric that rarely translates into concrete and strategic action? In our 10th episode in partnership with African Arguments, Judd Devermont is joined by Deborah Malac (former U.S. Ambassador to Uganda), Maria Burnett (CSIS), and Michael Mutyaba (African Arguments contributor) to discuss recommendations for foreign partners and donors in holding autocratic regimes accountable—beyond strongly-worded statements. Guests also delve into Uganda’s repressive elections and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions displacing millions in Ethiopia.  Background Readings:  Uganda: How donors can go beyond “strongly-worded statements” – Michael Mutyaba (African Arguments)  Repression as Voters Weigh Museveni’s 34 Years – Maria Burnett  The Battle of Mekelle and Its Implications for Ethiopia – Judd Devermont