Africa Trends - MP-IDSA

The Abiy Project: God, Power, and War in the New Ethiopia

Gardner argues that since coming to power in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has become one of the most debated political leaders in contemporary Africa. Following years of political unrest...

Abyssinia Abay Mengistu |
January-June 2026 |
Africa Trends

From Training to Embedded Partnerships: Pakistan’s Evolving Defence Outreach in Africa

Pakistan's defence engagement in Africa is evolving from limited, transactional cooperation towards more embedded and institutionalised security partnerships. Traditionally centred on military training, United Nations peacekeeping, and modest defence exports,...

Sneha M |
January-June 2026 |
Africa Trends

Africa’s Emerging Nuclear Energy Landscape: An Appraisal

Africa’s growing interest in nuclear energy is closely linked to one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: how to provide reliable and affordable electricity while supporting economic growth. For decades,...

Abhishek Verma |
January-June 2026 |
Africa Trends

Beyond The Gun: Why Military InterventionCannot Be a Permanent Solution in Cabo Delgado

The threat of Rwanda's withdrawal from Cabo Delgado pending the renewal of funding under the European Union (EU) peace fund should serve as a wake-up call to the Mozambican government....

Bame Romeo Gaonyadiwe |
January-June 2026 |
Africa Trends

Leverage Without Sovereignty: African Bargaining Strategies in the US–China Critical Minerals and AI Rivalry

Africa occupies a strategically distinct and almost contradictory position in technology rivalry between the United States and China. The continent holds nearly 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral reserves...

Khyati Singh |
January-June 2026 |
Africa Trends

Understanding Maritime Security

The oceans, covering seventy percent of the Earth’s surface, are not just natural frontiers but important domains in the evolving global security agenda. According to the World Bank Group, “Maritime...

Sharvari Devendra Patil |
July-December 2025 |
Africa Trends

The Security Implications of Africa’s Crypto Boom

Africa's rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance (DeFi) reflects both structural economic pressures and technological opportunity. Driven by currency volatility, inflation, financial exclusion, and a young, mobile-first population, crypto...

Meghna Pradhan |
July-December 2025 |
Africa Trends

Sudan Conflict and the UAE’s Strategic Engagement

The civil war in Sudan, ongoing since April 2023, has evolved into a protracted power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with severe...

Devendra Kumar |
July-December 2025 |
Africa Trends

The Russia-Ethiopia Nuclear Partnership: A Catalyst for Regional Influence and Multi-polar Geopolitics

The Russia-Ethiopia nuclear partnership marks a significant shift in Africa's energy and geopolitical landscape, positioning nuclear power as both a developmental tool and an instrument of strategic alignment. Formalised in...

Nandini Khandelwal |
July-December 2025 |
Africa Trends

The G20 in South Africa: Outcomes and Assessment

The 2025 G20 Summit under South Africa's presidency marked a pivotal moment in contemporary multilateralism, highlighting Africa's growing role in global governance. Building on successive Global South presidencies, the summit...

Mohanasakthivel J |
July-December 2025 |
Africa Trends

Africa’s Quest for Modernity: Lessons from Japan and China

The volume under review draws from noted scholar Ali Mazrui’s definition of modernisation, which integrates epistemic advancements with capability-based arguments. It looks to East and Southeast Asia as models for...

Arnab Dasgupta |
January-June 2025 |
Africa Trends

The Cycles of Violence That Have Fuelled Burkina Faso’s Insecurity

Burkina Faso, once among Africa’s most peaceful states, has become the world’s most terrorism-impacted country, driven by cyclical violence between jihadists, state forces, and self-defense militias. This paper examines how...

Charlie Werb |
January-June 2025 |
Africa Trends

From Peacekeeping to Partnership: India’s Evolving Role in South Sudan

India’s engagement with South Sudan began before its independence with signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that supported by India in 2005. India remained committed in extending the support to...

Kunal Sharma |
January-June 2025 |
Africa Trends

Russia’s Nuclear Energy Diplomacy in Africa

The strategic withdrawal of the United States from key energy initiatives in Africa, including the winding down of Power Africa and reduced support for Just Energy Transition Partnerships, has created...

Samir Bhattacharya |
January-June 2025 |
Africa Trends

Forging Strategic Bonds: India’s Expanding Defence Footprint in North Africa

India has increasingly become a key defence partner for North African nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, with significant potential for defence industry collaboration and arms exports. The North African...