African politics in 2022: More than coups and conflict Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 29, 2022 The TMC 2022 roundups: African politics
West Africa’s new regional peacekeeping force, explained Kim Yi Dionne - December 12, 2022 ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, engages in more than just economic activities. How will it implement the new initiative?
Russia now says it must ‘de-Satanize’ Ukraine. What? Chonlawit Sirikupt - November 17, 2022 The Kremlin seems to be trolling for support among U.S. voters on the far right
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.
The West wants to cut off Russia’s oil revenues. Who will that hurt? Jan Stockbruegger - October 20, 2022 The United States and its allies plan to embargo Russian crude oil shipments — and impose a price cap on Russian oil. That might backfire.
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.
Paul Farmer’s last book teaches still more about pandemics Kim Yi Dionne - June 20, 2022 With a great deal of storytelling, Farmer emphasizes that it’s a mistake when policymakers focus on controlling spread rather than delivering health care
What will keep ships — and people — safer in the Gulf of Guinea? Simon Rotzer, Sayed Riyadi, Kayla Marie Reno, Curie Maharani, Brandon Prins, Anup Phayal, and Aaron Gold - June 9, 2022 Here’s an update on piracy incidents
France elevated Josephine Baker to the Panthéon as a symbol of racial equality. Here’s the reality. Annette Joseph-Gabriel - December 6, 2021 French racism was different than U.S. racism, but just as real
WHO workers are accused of sexual exploitation and abuse. That hurts everything the U.N. does. Jasmine Westendorf - October 5, 2021 As one official told me: ‘The U.N. is not a superpower. It has only its moral authority, and if you undermine that, you’re finished.’
The WTO is negotiating to solve a global fisheries crisis. Here’s what’s at stake. Kristen Hopewell - July 14, 2021 Talks center on eliminating fisheries subsidies, a tricky goal.
Don’t expect regional organizations to rein in coups Emmanuel Balogun and Aarie Glas - July 13, 2021 Here’s why ASEAN and ECOWAS stumbled after recent coups in Mali and Myanmar.
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
China’s Belt and Road Initiative invests in African infrastructure — and African military and police forces Natalie Herbert - April 29, 2021 China is looking to protect its economic investments and build its reputation as a world power
Africans have a strong message for their traditional chiefs: Don’t tell us how to vote Luyando Mutale Katenda and Carolyn Logan - April 22, 2021 Surveys show how Africans reconcile their preference for democracy with trust for traditional leaders.
There’s a long, global history to today’s anti-Asian bias and violence Sarah Hayes, Kim Yi Dionne, and Fulya Felicity Turkmen - April 18, 2021 ‘Foreigners’ have been blamed for disease all the way back to the bubonic plague — and probably beyond
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.
Senegal’s violent protests reveal that its long-stable democracy is fragile, after all Kamissa Camara - March 31, 2021 Yet again, courts have jailed one of the president’s political rivals.
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
Why the Nashville bomber warned people to evacuate Joseph M. Brown - December 30, 2020 Terrorists often want to persuade civilians to their side — while luring police into danger
Ivory Coast reelected its president. Opposition candidates boycotted the voting. Tyson Roberts - December 2, 2020 The election reflected political rivalries that date back 30 years.
A longtime leader in Ghana has died. Jerry John Rawlings leaves a complicated legacy. Jeffrey Paller and George Bob-Milliar - November 14, 2020 He was an authoritarian who then won two multiparty elections
Nigerians are protesting police abuses. How do citizens of other African countries view the police? Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Brian Howard - November 5, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys reveal where people are less likely to trust the police
African citizens expect more from their lives — and their governments, Afrobarometer surveys find E. Gyimah-Boadi and Carolyn Logan - October 22, 2020 Follow our new Friday series for insights on African views on democracy, the economy, social media and other topics.
The military has ousted Mali’s president. That raises questions about the country’s ongoing security challenges. William G. Nomikos, Rob Williams, Patrick Hunnicutt, and Melanie Sauter - August 25, 2020 How will the new government and U.N. peacekeepers work together?
Russia’s disinformation campaigns are targeting African Americans Žilvinas Švedkauskas, Michel Salzer, and Chonlawit Sirikupt - July 23, 2020 Russia is masking its involvement by outsourcing its disinformation operations to West Africa
How can African governments persuade citizens to follow coronavirus guidelines? Allison Grossman - April 17, 2020 The right messengers matter
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
The World Bank’s 2017 pandemic response fund isn’t working Mara Pillinger - March 31, 2020 Private sector solutions don’t always fit public sector problems
Why China’s politics makes it easier — and harder — to control disease outbreaks Joan Kaufman - January 28, 2020 It’s not just about wild animal markets.
Is China ready for this major global health challenge? Elanah Uretsky - January 27, 2020 Beijing invested heavily in public health around the world — but left troubling gaps at home
Nancy Pelosi said ‘the Squad’ was just ‘four people.’ But here’s why they might succeed. Jeffrey S. Lantis - July 24, 2019 Generational turnover and new technologies pose new challenges
Here’s why Ebola has been so hard to contain in Eastern Congo Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - June 24, 2019 Levels of citizens’ mistrust shape how they respond to the epidemic.
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,
The U.S. has pulled back its Ebola response in Congo. Here’s the story. Jeremy Youde - November 8, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79992" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A medical worker puts on protective
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
Should U.N. peacekeepers launch preemptive strikes? The Cruz report seems to think so. Lise Howard - March 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_70668" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.N. peacekeeper stands guard as
Locals call Boko Haram ‘slave raiders.’ Here’s what that means, and why it matters. Scott MacEachern - February 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69429" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this undated image taken from
Liberia will hold its presidential election next week. Here’s what you need to know. Brooks Marmon - December 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_67386" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Youth supporters campaign for soccer legend
Hurricane Maria killed 64 Puerto Ricans. Another 1,000 died because the disaster response was inadequate. Jeremy Konyndyk - December 18, 2017 On Dec. 8, 2017, the New York Times published a
How today’s despots and kleptocrats hide their stolen wealth Jason Sharman and Alex Cooley - November 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66191" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Yang Xiuzhu is escorted from a
Puerto Rico’s troubles are far from over. The population’s health is at risk. Jennifer Sciubba and Jeremy Youde - October 13, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64849" align="aligncenter" width="960"] On Oct. 10, Yanira Rios collects
The same family has ruled Togo for 50 years. Will widespread protests change that? Joel Amegboh and Alexander Noyes - September 30, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64299" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters call for reforms during an
Responding to Puerto Rico’s disaster is uniquely complex. But Trump is still falling short. Jeremy Konyndyk - September 29, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64261" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Marta Sostre Vazquez reacts as she
A controversial article praises colonialism. But colonialism’s real legacy was ugly. Brandon Kendhammer - September 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63692" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Women and children prepare to flee
Here’s what white supremacy looks and sounds like now. (It’s not your grandfather’s KKK.) Daniel Kreiss and Kelsey Mason - August 17, 2017 In a remarkable exchange with the press Tuesday about the
Islamic State’s next move could be underground criminal networks Aisha Ahmad - August 8, 2017 After months of fierce ground war, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider
Here’s what we can learn about Brexit from Boko Haram and Nigerian politics Laura Seay - July 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60672" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mohammed Ambali is a member of
The World Health Organization spends more on travel than on key diseases. That’s actually okay. Mara Pillinger - June 22, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60177" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Liberian man walks past an
The World Health Organization just picked a new leader. These are the challenges he faces. Karen Grépin, Joshua Busby, and Jeremy Youde - June 15, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59921" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Outgoing director-general of the World Health
Trump wants to divert aid away from women and the environment Jessica Anderson - May 12, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58238" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ethiopians wait for food supplies provided
Somali pirates just hijacked an oil tanker. Here’s what pirates want — and where they strike. Ursula Daxecker, Brandon Prins, and Anup Phayal - March 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52619" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Philippine Coast Guard boat, left,
Morocco just joined the African Union. Here’s why that matters. Hannah Armstrong - February 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_54370" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The king of Morocco, Mohammed VI,
Here’s how the Ebola outbreak shaped citizens’ opinions of Liberia’s government Kim Yi Dionne - January 13, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52515" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past a billboard
The events in Ivory Coast last week were a textbook case of mutiny Maggie Dwyer - January 10, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52296" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Soldiers involved in a mutiny on
Ghana shows a troubling willingness to accept political corruption, our recent survey shows Nic Cheeseman, Justin Willis, and Gabrielle Lynch - December 21, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51573" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of Ghana's president-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo
9 things you should know about Ghana’s election Sarah Brierley and George Ofosu - December 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50817" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walk past election campaign
How far does Saudi Arabia’s influence go? Look at Nigeria. Alexander Thurston - October 31, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48605" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks by a tank
What could make Americans — and Congress — care about Zika? Joshua Busby - August 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45386" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Aedes aegypti mosquito is thought
Violent protests have erupted in Mali. Here’s what is driving them. Kamissa Camara - August 15, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45253" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Young people protest in Bamako in
Two years ago, Ebola became a public health emergency. Here are 5 lessons for fighting Zika Amy Patterson - August 8, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40344" align="aligncenter" width="908"] People pass a an Ebola awareness
Mosquitoes don’t just spread the Zika virus. They may be helping an older killer reemerge. Mara Pillinger - June 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42185" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Aedes aegypti mosquito is photographed
The World Health Organization is electing a new leader. Here’s what you need to know. Karen Grépin, Joshua Busby, and Jeremy Youde - May 12, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40344" align="aligncenter" width="908"] People pass a banner that is
How to understand the complicated history of ‘go back to Africa’ Fodei Batty - April 26, 2016 [caption id="attachment_38201" align="aligncenter" width="4868"] Africa, from space. (NASA)[/caption] The pejorative
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
6 things you need to know about Côte d’Ivoire in the wake of Sunday’s attack Justine Davis and Carrie Reiling - March 15, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37196" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A soldier comforts an injured boy
Three lessons from Ebola can help us fight the Zika virus Maryam Deloffre - February 14, 2016 [caption id="attachment_35717" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A member of the Brazilian Air
Who is Laurent Gbagbo, and why is he on trial at the ICC? Oumar Ba - February 3, 2016 [caption id="attachment_35256" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Former Côte d'Ivoire president Laurent Gbagbo
Why donors demand immediate elections after unrest in developing countries Haley Swedlund - December 11, 2015 [caption id="attachment_33368" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Supporters of President-elect Roch Marc Kabore
Burkina Faso elections mark turning point in country’s recent political turmoil Daniel Eizenga - December 6, 2015 On Nov. 29, Burkina Faso held presidential and legislative elections
After this month’s attack in Bamako, what do we know about fundamentalist Islam in Mali? Sebastian Elischer - November 30, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32796" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Malian security officials show an extremist
The most interesting thing about Côte d’Ivoire’s election was that it wasn’t interesting Tyson Roberts - November 26, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32664" align="aligncenter" width="908"] People line up outside a polling station
Can we compare the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Bamako? Gregory Mann and Andrew Lebovich - November 22, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32540" align="aligncenter" width="908"] French police outside the Radisson Blu
Five things you should know about Friday’s terrorist attack in Mali Susanna Wing - November 22, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32522" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A painting showing the peace sign
5 things you should know about Guinea’s (peaceful!) election Tyson Roberts - October 20, 2015 [caption id="attachment_30861" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Supporters of Guinea President Alpha Conde
Can an economic boom ensure peaceful elections in Côte d’Ivoire? Matthew Mitchell and Kathleen Klaus - October 20, 2015 [caption id="attachment_30856" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A man walks past a RHDP
Do public goods have to be public? Not in some African countries. Lauren MacLean, Jeffrey Paller, and Danielle Kushner - September 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_29755" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] A young girl stands to answer
Wow! This Nigerian prince would like to wire you 75 million dollars!! Timothy Rich - August 25, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28872" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] (bigstockphoto)[/caption] You’ve received these e-mails. Someone
Ebola terrified us a year ago. What did it teach us about West Africa? Ashoka Mukpo - August 7, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27936" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] Artist Stephen Doe paints an
Can you defeat a ruler whose family has been in power for nearly 50 years? Some lessons for Togo's opposition - July 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27738" align="aligncenter" width="671"] A man holds a campaign poster
Can you defeat a ruler whose family has been in power for nearly 50 years? Some lessons for Togo’s opposition Ekoutiamé Ahlin and Alexander Noyes - July 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27738" align="aligncenter" width="671"] A man holds a campaign poster
Governance, gender and no guarantees in Africa's oil-rich states Laura Seay - June 19, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26264" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="align center "] Nigerian soldiers of
Governance, gender and no guarantees in Africa’s oil-rich states Laura Seay and Celeste Hicks - June 19, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26264" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="align center "] Nigerian soldiers of
The 5 things you need to know about MERS (and global health) Jeremy Youde - June 12, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25959" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The hunt for the MERS virus
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
Most Togolese support term limits. But they just re-elected their president for a third term. Tyson Roberts, Ekoutiamé Ahlin, and Kim Yi Dionne - May 4, 2015 Continuing our series of Election Reports, the following is a
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
Are African peacekeepers prone to mutiny? Maggie Dwyer - March 25, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23071" align="aligncenter" width="620"] An African Union (AU) peacekeeper walks
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
Gambia’s longtime dictator isn’t going anywhere any time soon Jeffrey Smith and Alexander Noyes - February 4, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20875" align="alignnone" width="620"] FILE: Gambian President Yahya Jammeh during
Doctors blame the WHO and the U.N. for failing to fight Ebola. Here's why they're wrong. Henry Farrell - January 20, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20265" align="alignnone" width="620"] Liberian Army soldiers work on a
Doctors blame the WHO and the U.N. for failing to fight Ebola. Here’s why they’re wrong. Nathan Paxton - January 20, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20265" align="alignnone" width="620"] Liberian Army soldiers work on a
Who has responsibility for Ebola? The IMF, the West, or unpleasant accounting? Chris Blattman - January 7, 2015 [caption id="attachment_19849" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] People hold up signs as they
The IMF’s influence on poor countries’ health systems – and Ebola, explained Martin McKee, Lawrence King, and Alexander Kentikelenis - January 6, 2015 [caption id="attachment_19796" align="alignnone" width="620"] A vulture flies off as others
5 things you should read before saying the IMF is blameless in the 2014 Ebola outbreak Kim Yi Dionne and Adia Benton - January 5, 2015 Last week, Chris Blattman asked in his post, “Did the
The most popular Monkey Cage posts in 2014 Kim Yi Dionne - December 31, 2014 2014 was Monkey Cage's first full calendar year at The
Did the International Monetary Fund help make the Ebola crisis? Chris Blattman - December 30, 2014 [caption id="attachment_19619" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] An Ebola sign placed in front
They know it's Christmas Laura Seay - November 17, 2014 Today marks the release of a new version of "Do
They know it’s Christmas Laura Seay - November 17, 2014 Today marks the release of a new version of "Do
The Ebola outbreak generated greater response from Republican lawmakers Lindsey Cormack - November 14, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18119" align="alignnone" width="620"] Rep. Timothy Murphy (R-Pa.) makes an