African politics

Politics & Policy

Third-country deportations expose democratic costs of Africa’s deals with the US

US migration deals with African governments are prompting legal, political and human rights concerns across the continent
Close-up profile of the nose and engines of a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on a sunny day. Markings on the fuselage identify the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings. On the tarmac below, a group of civilians and officials in high-visibility vests stand near the aircraft steps.
Politics & Policy

Xenophobic sentiment in South Africa reaches highest level in two decades

Economic frustration and electoral politics are driving a sharp rise in hostility towards migrants in South Africa
Anti-immigration demonstrators, wearing traditional Zulu attire, gather to stage a protest in Johannesburg, South Africa on 29 April, 2026. Participants voiced opposition to irregular migration during the demonstration.
Art & CultureReligion

Pope Leo’s Africa tour underscores continent’s rising weight in global Catholicism

Africa’s rising Catholic population frames Pope Leo’s tour amid conflict, inequality and questions of church leadership
A man wearing a white cassock and zucchetto sits in a high-backed chair while holding a sheet of paper.
EconomyOpinionPolitics & Policy

The Middle East war is hurting Africa. Here is how the continent fights back

As the Middle East war pushes African currencies lower and borrowing costs higher, a Pretoria scholar sets out how the continent must respond
Scattered South African rands notes against a white background.
EconomyPolitics & Policy

Trump tariffs blunt impact of AGOA renewal for African exporters

Renewed AGOA offers limited relief as shifting US tariffs and court rulings continue to unsettle African exporters
The interior of the Dignity DTRT apparel plant shows rows of workers at sewing stations during a visit from American diplomats.
Politics & Policy

Benin coup attempt reveals west Africa’s deepening democratic crisis

Nigeria deployed jets to help crush Benin's coup attempt, marking Ecowas's first successful military intervention against putschists since the region's coup epidemic began in 2020
Beninese soldiers in camouflage uniforms and red berets stand in formation during a military parade at independence day celebrations in Benin, 2024.
Politics & Policy

South Africa’s G20 triumph comes face to face with Trump’s wrecking ball

The first G20 on African soil delivered on debt, energy and minerals — but can these wins survive Trump's antagonism and America's forthcoming presidency?
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sits at a desk with a placard reading "South Africa G20 President," backed by a "South Africa 2025" banner and delegation members.
East African CommunityPolitics & Policy

US reviews Tanzania ties after election violence

The United States has said it is conducting a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing concerns over religious freedom violations, speech restrictions, and violence surrounding October's disputed elections
A defaced campaign poster of Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, during the protests that followed her controversial re-election with an overwhelming majority of 98% in early November 2025
ObituariesOpinionPolitics & Policy

Raila Odinga, Kenyan politician, 1945-2025

A perennial opposition leader and master tactician, Raila Odinga embodied both the hopes of reform and the compromises of establishment politics in post-independence Kenya
A man seated at a conference table delivers a speech. The camera is focussed on his face, while his background is mainly blurred. He is facing away from the partially blurred microphone and looking at someone in the audience. The man, Raila Odinga, passed away in India on 15 October 2025.
East African CommunityPolitics & Policy

Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is as repressive as John Magufuli, her predecessor

President Samia Hassan, who is seeking re-election this month, increasingly resembles her predecessor John Magufuli, who banned media, censored journalists, stifled the opposition and rigged elections before his death in 2021
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania inspecting the the guard of honour in during a state visit to South Africa in March 2023
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