In citizens’ assessments, most African police forces come up short Matthias Krönke, Thomas Isbell, and Makanga Ronald Kakumba - March 22, 2024 From protests to traffic stops, negative experiences often mark the public’s views of police professionalism.
Why are people in West Africa waving Russian flags? Aoife McCullough - October 28, 2022 Russian propaganda has a wide reach. Here’s what else is boosting pro-Russian sentiment.
Can ECOWAS convince Burkina Faso to return to civilian rule? Madeline Fleishman and Jori Breslawski - October 14, 2022 Afrobarometer polls show strong support for the regional economic bloc. But protesters in Burkina Faso pushed back against ECOWAS diplomacy efforts.
‘Islamic State in Africa’ explores nine militant Islamist groups Dan Eizenga - July 14, 2022 This book takes a comprehensive look at the rise of Islamic State affiliates operating on the continent
Can Africa ‘leapfrog’ the traditional electricity model? Kangwook Han and Carolyn Logan - April 21, 2022 Slow progress on national power grids leaves many households looking to off-grid sources
Africa has had eight coup attempts in recent months. What’s behind the ‘coup epidemic’? Kristen A. Harkness - February 8, 2022 How leaders consolidate their power helps explain why soldiers depose governments.
Is Africa losing ground in the battle for water and sanitation? Daniel Armah-Attoh - January 27, 2022 Afrobarometer surveys show citizens expect their governments to do more
Why are Africans dissatisfied with democracy? Think corruption. Robert Mattes and Christiaan Keulder - November 18, 2021 The fifth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Long-serving African presidents say the people want them to stay on. Is that true? Boniface Dulani - November 4, 2021 The third in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa.
Do Africans want democracy — and do they think they’re getting it? Joseph Asunka and E. Gyimah-Boadi - October 21, 2021 The first in Afrobarometer’s special African democracy summit series.
What would bring stability after the death of Chad’s president? Daniel Eizenga - June 1, 2021 Neighboring countries have successfully managed political change without the military stepping in
Benin’s militant problem may worsen after last month’s election Christina Cottiero - May 3, 2021 The government focused on weeding out political opponents in recent years, rather than combating extremist and criminal groups
West Africans welcome strong government action against covid-19. But many still don’t trust their government. Aminatou Seydou - April 8, 2021 Afrobarometer surveys reveal concerns about covid-related corruption, equitable assistance and power grabs by politicians.
Africa has started vaccinating against the coronavirus. But do citizens trust their governments on vaccine safety? Aminatou Seydou - March 11, 2021 New Afrobarometer surveys help explain vaccine reluctance in five West African countries
The pandemic has worsened Africa’s debt crisis. China and other countries are stepping in. Yufan Huang, Kevin Acker, and Deborah Bräutigam - February 25, 2021 Chinese banks have been restructuring African debt for the past two decades
Guinea’s president claims he won reelection. Thousands of Guineans disagree. Lisa Mueller - October 30, 2020 Electoral protests in Africa rarely end up ousting an incumbent who defies term limits
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
Millions of Africans lack access to clean water. This makes coronavirus a bigger threat. Kangwook Han and Brian Howard - March 21, 2020 Today is World Water Day. Here’s what we learned.
African countries are opening their borders. What does this mean for security, identity and trade? Lisa Mueller and Abhit Bhandari - August 12, 2019 People support free trade, but there are other bonds.
‘Foreign Intervention in Africa After the Cold War’ looks at new players and old powers in Africa’s conflicts Anna Mwaba - July 11, 2019 Author Elizabeth Schmidt tackles important questions on foreign intervention in one accessible text.
Why the World Bank’s new famine warning system won’t help prevent famine Allison Grossman - December 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81442" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this Sept. 21, 2018, photo,
Why is the Senate challenging Trump on Yemen? Jordan Tama - November 30, 2018 Here’s what you need to know.
Are protests in Africa politically or economically motivated? This new book has answers. Kim Yi Dionne - August 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77099" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters surround a bonfire on a
Anti-immigrant forces won a victory at the E.U. This is how immigrants will respond. Melissa Carlson, Laura Jakli, and Katerina Linos - August 14, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76669" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A migrant walks past camp beds
The U.S. military is trying to manage foreign conflicts — not resolve them. Here’s why. Paul Staniland - July 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75692" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. soldier assigned to provide
Will ‘Ghana First’ protests threaten a U.S military agreement? Rachel Sigman - April 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_50817" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past political campaign
Niger’s protests are ramping up. Here’s why. Sebastian Elischer and Lisa Mueller - March 26, 2018 [caption id="attachment_71411" align="aligncenter" width="432"] A pro-government demonstrator in Niamey, Niger,
Without Mugabe, is democracy coming to Zimbabwe? Probably not. Kristen Harkness - November 22, 2017 On Tuesday, after 37 years of authoritarian rule, Robert Mugabe
Here’s why the Trump administration may actually want Congress to pass a new authorization for military force Andrew Rudalevige - November 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66466" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this photo from Nov. 6, U.S.
When did Congress authorize fighting in Niger? That’s an excellent question. Andrew Rudalevige - November 11, 2017 It’s Veterans Day – not a bad time to give
Having fewer veterans in Congress makes it less likely to restrain the president’s use of force Danielle Lupton - November 10, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66027" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Research shows that military veterans in
The military doesn’t love Trump back. This is why. Carrie Lee - November 10, 2017 Veterans’ Day is a good time to examine how U.S.
When and how can foreign aid slow migration? Steffen Angenendt, Charles Martin-Shields, and Benjamin Schraven - November 2, 2017 [caption id="attachment_40696" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Children play in a makeshift refugee
Boko Haram vs. al-Shabab: What do we know about their patterns of violence? Wendy Williams, Roudabeh Kishi, Olivia Russell, Joseph Siegle, and Clionadh Raleigh - October 2, 2017 The United Nations proclaimed Oct. 2 as the International Day
Italy claims it’s found a solution to Europe’s migrant problem. Here’s why Italy’s wrong. Matthew Herbert and Jalel Harchaoui - September 26, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63923" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Refugees and migrants are transferred off
Everyone is taking sides in the Qatar crisis. Here’s why these four North African states aren’t. Youssef Cherif - September 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63263" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, left,
Will the International Criminal Court’s latest target in Libya be brought to justice? Mark Kersten - August 31, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63104" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Armed Libyan men wave their national
How much have development strategies changed in Africa since independence? It depends. Landry Signé and Kim Yi Dionne - July 28, 2017 [caption id="attachment_61539" align="aligncenter" width="760"] Ibrahim Hassane Mayaki (left), former prime
The Trump administration wants to send more military advisers to Afghanistan. Good luck with that. Stephen Biddle, Ryan Baker, and Julia Macdonald - May 15, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58268" align="alignleft" width="960"] Marines salute during a handover ceremony
60 years later, are colonial-era laws holding Africa back? Ryan Briggs and Maya Berinzon - January 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52661" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, left, takes
Is electoral violence in sub-Saharan Africa overreported? This new book looks at the data. Stephanie Burchard and Kim Yi Dionne - August 12, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45073" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of President Edgar Lungu gather
This novel illuminates life (and resistance) under repression in Ethiopia Sarah Agatoni and Kim Yi Dionne - August 5, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44814" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People mourn the death of Dinka
What do Africans actually think about public health interventions from afar? Kim Yi Dionne - July 22, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44289" align="aligncenter" width="960"] British pop star Elton John signs
Where do African women have more power? Surprise — in countries emerging from war. Aili Tripp - July 15, 2016 [caption id="attachment_43742" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] Catherine Samba-Panza was the acting president
‘Sex worker activism has exploded throughout Africa,’ and this new book explores how Kim Yi Dionne and Chi Mgbako - July 8, 2016 What do African sex workers really need? A 33-year-old sex
Women’s rights groups in Niger push forward on gender equality Kim Yi Dionne - June 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42685" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A woman prepares to cast her
36 years after Zimbabwe’s independence, the country faces these 4 big questions Brooks Marmon - April 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39777" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his
Here’s one way to prevent election violence in Africa Kristine Höglund and Hanne Fjelde - April 27, 2016 [caption id="attachment_3809" align="aligncenter" width="720"] An exhibit honors Nelson Mandela in
Here’s why so many people join Boko Haram, despite its notorious violence Hilary Matfess - April 26, 2016 Just over two years ago, the extremist Islamist group Boko
4 things you should know about Niger’s recent elections Lisa Mueller and Lukas Matthews - April 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39161" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A banner of Niger's newly elected
Benin has a new president: Patrice Talon, an ironic outsider politician Claire Adida and Chabi Bouko - April 13, 2016 [caption id="attachment_38970" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Benin's newly elected President Patrice Talon
Your six questions about Congo’s election, answered Danielle Sanchez - March 25, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37904" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso at a
Why Turkey’s authoritarian descent shakes up democratic theory Jason Brownlee - March 23, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37754" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers
It’s a #SuperSunday in Africa, with elections being held in Benin, Cape Verde, Congo, Niger, Senegal and Zanzibar Kim Yi Dionne - March 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37537" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A woman looks at the list
Are coups good for democracy? Joseph Wright, George Derpanopoulos, Erica Frantz, and Barbara Geddes - February 22, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36170" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptians marked the fifth anniversary of
The upcoming Niger election and the drama surrounding it, explained Lisa Mueller and Lukas Matthews - February 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_35758" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A picture taken on Feb. 2,
The U.S. can’t fight terrorists in Africa. So guess what it does instead. Charles Thomas - February 1, 2016 [caption id="attachment_35026" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A crashed MQ-9 Reaper drone seen
As Niger prepares for elections, it’s concerned about security. Should it be? Lisa Mueller - January 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34824" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Terrace at Hotel le Sahel, Niamey,
Taking stock of Burkina Faso’s democracy after al-Qaeda attack Leonardo Villalón and Daniel Eizenga - January 21, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34600" align="aligncenter" width="908"] French and Burkinabe officers inspect burned
Free and fair elections attract investment, no matter who’s elected. Here’s why. Mike Touchton - January 8, 2016 [caption id="attachment_32114" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Campaign posters of opposition presidential candidate
Why Obama’s military deployment against Boko Haram is too little, too late Landry Signé - October 28, 2015 [caption id="attachment_31259" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Cameroon's Deputy Prime Minister Amadou Ali
State subsidies take from the poor to give to the rich Neil Abrams and Steven Fish - July 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27484" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] (AP)[/caption] What’s the worst thing
This is not the Middle Eastern order you are looking for Benjamin Denison and Andrew Lebovich - June 9, 2015 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1484"] What Africa might look like had
Taking stock of 'good coups' in Africa - May 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24939" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Boys walk behind patrolling soldiers in
Taking stock of ‘good coups’ in Africa Sebastian Elischer - May 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24939" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Boys walk behind patrolling soldiers in
Burundi Faso? Coups, revolutions and what's next for Burundi Laura Seay - May 13, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24792" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] People waving branches celebrate in
Burundi Faso? Coups, revolutions and what’s next for Burundi Stephanie Schwartz, Cara Jones, and Alies Rijper - May 13, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24792" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] People waving branches celebrate in
The Islamic State, Boko Haram and the evolution of international jihad Nathaniel Allen - March 27, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23098" align="alignnone" width="620"] A wall painted by Boko Haram
What other African elections tell us about Nigeria’s bet on biometrics Giulia Piccolino - March 10, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21553" align="alignnone" width="620"] Two Nigerian voters pose for a
What’s next for Nigeria’s democracy? Hilary Matfess - February 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21412" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Campaign posters of Nigeria's main opposition presidential
What's next for Nigeria's democracy? Laura Seay - February 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21412" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Campaign posters of Nigeria's main opposition presidential
Are efforts to limit presidential power in Africa working? Beatty Riedl - February 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21266" align="alignnone" width="620"] A campaign poster for incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan
Why is terror Islamist? Steven Fish - January 27, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20587" align="alignnone" width="620"] This image made from a video
A coup for democracy? Hein Goemans - December 9, 2014 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] The head of the military junta,
Burkina Faso: Leading a wave or joining the club? David Stasavage - November 3, 2014 [caption id="attachment_17553" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Burkina Faso's Lt. Col. Yacouba Isaac
As thousands protest against term limit extension in Burkina Faso, will other African presidents take note? Ken Opalo - October 28, 2014 On Tuesday, protesters in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second city,
The Boko Haram insurgency, by the numbers Peter Lewis, Nathaniel Allen, and Hilary Matfess - October 6, 2014 [caption id="attachment_16524" align="alignnone" width="620"] A screen grab taken on May
The Islamic State won’t find it easy to wipe away post-colonial borders William Miles - September 10, 2014 [caption id="attachment_15588" align="aligncenter" width="620"] This image posted on a militant
The Islamic State won't find it easy to wipe away post-colonial borders William Miles - September 10, 2014 [caption id="attachment_15588" align="aligncenter" width="620"] This image posted on a militant
Scapegoating Africa’s immigrants Claire Adida - June 3, 2014 [caption id="attachment_11271" align="aligncenter" width="1024" special=""] Eastleigh, shown here in January
Scapegoating Africa's immigrants Claire Adida - June 3, 2014 [caption id="attachment_11271" align="aligncenter" width="1024" special=""] Eastleigh, shown here in January
Will Thailand’s dramatic coup actually fix anything? Jonathan Powell - May 29, 2014 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="606" special=""] A protester, left, is
Will Thailand's dramatic coup actually fix anything? Jonathan Powell - May 29, 2014 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="606" special=""] A protester, left, is
Seif Gadhafi and the International Criminal Court Joshua Tucker - October 30, 2011 Monkey Cage readers Emily Ritter of the University of Alabama
Call for Election Reports Joshua Tucker - December 9, 2010 Last year we started a Monkey Cage initiative to provide
Election Reports and Political Science: Update Joshua Tucker - October 20, 2009 A little more than a month ago I announced a
Election Reports and Political Science Joshua Tucker - September 14, 2009 One of the goals of the Monkey Cage is to
The Monkey Cage’s First Anniversary, Part I John Sides - December 2, 2008 The Monkey Cage had its first birthday last week --