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
Central to the green revolution and technologies of the future, cobalt is found in some of the most conflict-stricken and unjust places on earth. What is the industry's current approach to responsible sourcing? Pamela Fierst-Walsh (U.S. Department of State), Mike Jobbins (Search for Common Ground), and Laurent Kasindi (Search for Common Ground) join Judd Devermont to highlight the benefits of a "do more good" over a "do no harm" approach to mineral mining. Guests also discuss recent attacks by the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in the Central African Republic, as well as the upcoming Somali presidential elections.
The growth of Chinese technology in Africa has sounded alarm bells in Washington and other foreign capitals. Beyond security and surveillance risks, what, if any, benefits exist for Africans? Judd Devermont is joined by Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew (U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission), Bulelani Jili (Harvard University), and Jeremy Goldkorn (SupChina and Sinica Podcast) to unpack the concerns surrounding Chinese involvement in the region’s tech sector, sharing recommendations for the Biden administration. Other topics include the fight for Covid-19 vaccines and ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule’s corruption charges. Background Readings: The Spread of Surveillance Technology in Africa Stirs Security Concerns - Bulelani Jili No immediate changes to U.S. China policy under Biden, including tariffs – Jeremy Goldkorn
What role do musicians play in politics and advocacy, especially during a health crisis? For this special anniversary episode, East Africa’s biggest pop band, Sauti Sol share their thoughts on the music industry’s adaptation to the pandemic, the state of Kenya’s health system, and efforts to remain outspoken about police brutality. Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (CSIS) also join Judd Devermont to discuss the state of Sudan’s political transition two years in and Mali’s interim government’s National Transitional Council appointment of musician Salif Keita. Background Reading Rethinking Crisis Responses in the Sahel – Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris
Welcome to the third season of the Into Africa podcast. As always, Judd Devermont has an exciting lineup of high-profile guests from around the world joining in to unpack African politics and policy and dig deeper into new topics. There's a lot to look forward to this year: Chinese tech in Africa, vaccine diplomacy, conflict minerals, and the reparation of African artifacts. We also plan to host webinar shows with U.S. universities and African think tanks. See you next week for our special anniversary episode featuring Kenyan afro-pop band, Sauti Sol!
How does multilateral diplomacy transform during a global pandemic? In our season finale, Judd Devermont is joined by Alex Rondos (European Union), Sanusha Naidu (Institute for Global Dialogue), and Susan Page (University of Michigan) to discuss relationship building in a pre- and post-pandemic world. Guests also examine key developments in the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, and expectations for the incoming Chair of the African Union, DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi. See you in the New Year for Into Africa's third season. Background Reading: The Battle of Mekelle and Its Implications for Ethiopia - Judd Devermont Rediscovering America: Why African Leader Tours Benefit U.S. Foreign Policy - Judd Devermont and Catherine Chiang
Covid-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital currency and mobile money platforms in Africa. How can innovations in FinTech lower the barriers to vital remittance flows? Judd Devermont is joined by Yomi Kazeem (Quartz Africa), Alexis Akwagyiram (Reuters), and Deepali Fernandes (IOM) to discuss the tug-of-war between innovation and regulation, high-tech solutions to expanding internet access across the continent, and the Trump Administration's opposition to the first African and first female Director-General of the WTO. Background Readings: The Trump White House is the last obstacle to a first African leader of the WTO – Yomi Kazeem The WTO DG Race: What Happens Now? – William Alan Reinsch Google is working on delivering super-fast internet in Africa with experimental light beams – Yomi Kazeem The Train is Leaving the Station: The Future of Digital Currency in Sub-Saharan Africa – Judd Devermont & Topaz Mukulu Regulators in Africa's big economies are scrambling to get on top of a spike in cryptocurrency trade – Yomi Kazeem How Bitcoin met the real world in Africa – Alexis Akwagyiram
The long-awaited results of the United States presidential election will shape the future of American democracy and U.S.-Africa policy for years to come. Are there lessons from sub-Saharan Africa that the U.S. should consider as it reflects on its electoral process? Udo Jude Ilo (Open Society Initiative for West Africa), Maria Sarungi Tsehai (#ChangeTanzania), and Jason Stearns (Congo Research Group) join Judd Devermont to discuss the elections, the future of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, DRC's tumultuous leadership struggle, and the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Background Materials: Race and Diplomacy: How does BLM resonate in Africa? – CSIS Africa Reacts to the U.S. Presidential Election – CSIS Nigeria: Learning from #EndSARS - A New U.S. Policy Toward Nigeria – Judd Devermont and Matthew T. Page A New Direction for U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa – Jason Stearns and Zachariah Mampilly A New U.S. Policy Framework for the African Century – Judd Devermont
The elderly and those living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are two populations growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere in the world. What challenges do these vulnerable groups face in the wake of Covid-19 and what opportunities exist for increased private sector engagement? Judd Devermont sits down with Rumbi Chakamba (Journalist), Nik Pereira (Africa Healthcare Network), and Nina Prieur (Prosper Africa) to explore U.S. investment in specialized care, Senegal's exemplary pandemic response, and a massive oil spill in Mauritius. Background Reading: How Senegal has set the standard on COVID-19 – Rumbi Chakamba Senegal's quiet COVID success – Deidre Shesgreen The Covid-19 Global Response Index – Foreign Policy The Strategic Significance of Africa’s Smallest Democracies – Judd Devermont A Wake-up Call: What Covid-19 Reveals about Elderly and NCD Care in Sub-Saharan Africa – Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Sisters care for home-based patients and the terminally ill in Botswana – Rumbi Chakamba
When it comes to election observation, there’s often one rule for the West and another for everybody else. But with a wave of democratic backsliding occurring around the world, now may be the time to disrupt the status quo and reimagine election observation missions. In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Ansbert Ngurumo (Journalist), Nic Cheeseman (University of Birmingham), and Jessica Moody (King’s College London) join Judd Devermont to discuss shifting electoral processes, election safety, and democracy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests also unpack the mounting suppression facing opposition parties and assess how this will affect upcoming presidential elections in Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire. Background Readings: Magafuli: An Epitome of Cowardice – Ansbert Ngurumo How to Rig an Election – Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas Ouattara's out, but whoever wins in Cote d'Ivoire, many won't be happy – Jessica Moody (African Arguments) How to hold elections safely and uphold democracy during Covid-19 – Nic Cheeseman (The Conversation) Africa Reacts to the First Presidential Debate and Trump’s Case of Covid-19 – CSIS
Energy development is at the heart of an inclusive African recovery from Covid-19, but how can we supercharge the region's power sector? Todd Moss (Energy for Growth Hub), Rose Mutiso (Energy for Growth Hub; Mawazo Institute), and Kate Steel (Nithio) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the future of Africa's energy sector, South Africa's struggling diplomacy in Zimbabwe, and key challenges facing African think tanks. Background Readings: A post Covid agenda for a 'zombie-free' recovery of Africa's power markets - Rose Mutiso and Todd Moss Pilot Database: Understanding the RACE metric - Jacob Kincer and Todd Moss Ted Talk: How to bring affordable, sustainable electricity to Africa - Rose Mutiso The crisis of African think tanks: Challenges and solutions - Brookings Institution About the Mazawo Institute - Mawazo.org Upcoming: Rose Mutiso's Ted Talk on climate justice and energy (Live on 10/10/2020)
Diplomatic engagement is at an all-time high across Africa. How can multilateral cooperation effectively address challenges such as Covid-19 and regional security? Judd Devermont is joined by Payton Knopf (USIP), Nilanthi Samaranayake (CNA), and Housam Darwisheh (Institute of Developing Economies) to discuss India, Japan, and the Gulf's approach to the continent, the current state of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the dispute over the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Background Readings: A Strategic Framework to Improve Coronavirus Response in Africa - Judd Devermont and Nilanthi Samaranayake How a Tiny Indian Ocean Island Could Force a US-UK Rift - Nilanthi Samaranayake What’s Ahead for the Horn of Africa in 2020 - Payton Knopf
China's footprint in Africa extends beyond infrastructure projects and financing. How significant are the relationships spun between Chinese elites and their African counterparts? In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Shinovene Immanuel (The Namibian), Lina Benabdallah (CSIS), and John Culver (Former National Intelligence Officer) join host Judd Devermont for a conversation on Chinese engagement with Africans. Guests also discuss Namibia's fishrot corruption scandal and politics in Algeria. Background Readings: Why Mali Needs a New Peace Deal - Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Under the Radar: Summer Edition - Judd Devermont and Ryan Cummings The Spoils of the Fishrot (Part 1) - Shinovene Immanuel and Tutaleni Pinehas Swapo's 'golden children' - Shinovene Immanuel Shaping the Future of Power - Lina Benabdallah China loans Africa much less than you think - Lina Benabdallah (African Arguments)
The last 70 years of U.S.-Africa policy is underscored by a bipartisan legacy of continuity. How can it evolve to meet new challenges and realities? Ambassador Hank Cohen (Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland), and Dr. Adebayo Oyebade (Tennessee State University) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on the past, present, and future of U.S. policy toward Africa. Guests also discuss the implications of President Ouattara's candidacy for a third term in Côte d'Ivoire and Nashville's historic African diaspora. Background Reading: Under the Radar: Summer Edition - Judd Devermont and Ryan Cummings Foreign Intervention in Africa: From the Cold War to the War on Terror - Elizabeth Schmidt Foreign Intervention in Africa after the Cold War: Sovereignty, Responsibility, and the War on Terror - Elizabeth Schmidt US Foreign Policy in Africa and the 21st Century - Adebayo Oyebade US Policy Toward Africa: 8 Decades of Realpolitik - Hank Cohen A New U.S. Policy Framework for the African Century - Judd Devermont
France has complicated and often contentious relations with Francophone Africa. What is Françafrique and how has it evolved in recent years? Judd Devermont is joined by Rahmane Idrissa (African Studies Center in Leiden), Ambassador Jeff Hawkins (Former U.S. Ambassador to CAR), and Marielle Harris (CSIS) to discuss Françafrique's prominence in the region, Mali's worsening political crisis, and the Central African Republic’s upcoming presidential elections. Background Reading: Why Mali Needs a New Peace Deal - Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris
Since the start of the Trump Administration, the United States has identified strategic competition with China and Russia as a core objective in sub-Saharan Africa. Is great power competition the most constructive framework for formulating and implementing U.S. policies in sub-Saharan Africa? In this virtual CSIS debate event, Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative), Ken Ofori-Atta (Minister for Finance, Ghana), Gayle Smith (ONE Campaign), and Juan Zarate (Financial Integrity Network) to debate the opportunities and risks embedded in the great power competition concept and to explore how it evolves during a global pandemic. Online Event: CSIS Debate Series: Great Power Competition Debate Results