IJR’s Lens on Africa
IJR’s Lens on Africa
Regular perspectives & updates from across the continent
During my time as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News bureau chief based in Dakar, Senegal, the first story I filed was a migration story. I went out on the Atlantic Ocean with a UN organisation that was searching for people who might be in danger or in trouble while attempting to reach Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, in often rickety boats. The waters are rough—think Cape Town’s cold and rough seas—and imagine being in a rickety boat, having paid thousands to unscrupulous people smugglers.
The digital economy represents an evolution of traditional economic models, characterised by the exchange, production, and use of digital goods and services. This growing sector is expanding at a rate that surpasses that of conventional economies, creating new avenues for participation that were previously unavailable.
Despite the lack of tangible results on the ground, there has been growing international involvement in peace efforts aimed at ending the violent and bloody conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following the capture of two major cities – Goma and Bukavu in Eastern DRC by the M23 rebel movement in January 2025, this protracted conflict has drawn renewed attention both within Africa and beyond the continent.
Africa’s largest multilateral development finance institution, the African Development Bank (AfDB), has appointed a new President and leadership team who will be tasked with navigating the Bank through challenging times ahead due to global aid cuts and higher import tariffs from the United States (US).
South Africa’s Land Expropriation Act aims to correct historical injustices through land redistribution while ensuring legal safeguards. Amid growing resistance, its success will determine whether it fosters justice and reconciliation or sparks turmoil.
Zelensky’s SA visit marks a pivotal shift in Ramaphosa’s global diplomacy and trade strategy.
Glen Mpani warns that another military coup in Zimbabwe would worsen the nation’s crisis, as neither regional allies nor global powers are likely to step in this time.
Democracy Discarded, Dictators Applauded: Africa’s Youth and the Seduction of the Soldier
– by Norman Tanfield
As US-South Africa tensions escalate, the future of AGOA hangs in the balance—will the nation pivot or pay the price?
– by Crystal Orderson
Government trust isn’t just about corruption—it’s about delivery. South Africans care more about working services than clean hands.
– by Preston Govindasamy
Africa’s youth are increasingly protesting against governance failures, corruption, and economic inequalities, demanding transformative change across the continent.
– by Tim Murithi
Peacebuilding must go beyond governance and conflict prevention to address the deep psychological and emotional scars left by colonialism. Emotional Justice and psycho-social well-being are essential to healing the intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and cultural erasure that continue to impact formerly colonized societies. By recognizing the emotional toll of colonial history and fostering safe spaces for healing, we can create sustainable peace and restore justice in a way that is both holistic and transformative.
– by Felicity Harrison
South Africa leverages its historic G20 presidency to champion Africa’s priorities, pushing for debt relief, economic equity, and a stronger voice in global decision-making.
– by Crystal Orderson
Despite decades of aspirations for continental unity, Africa continues to grapple with governance challenges that hinder collective progress. This piece explores the AU’s role, the principle of non-interference, and the steps needed to transform Pan-Africanism from an ideal into tangible action.
– by Norman Tanfield
The issue examines the global momentum behind reparations for colonialism and slavery, contextualizing it within South Africa’s unfinished reconciliation process. It critiques the country’s limited apartheid reparations, highlights ongoing economic inequalities, and explores pathways for a renewed approach to justice and equity. – by Kate Lefko-Everett
The upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) election on February 25 marks a pivotal moment as Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister, emerges as a frontrunner to succeed Moussa Faki. With strong backing from East African nations and key support across Africa, Odinga presents a vision focused on economic transformation, financial independence, gender equity, and continental integration. However, he faces competition from Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Radrian Mandrato. If elected, Odinga will navigate Africa’s geopolitical challenges, ongoing conflicts, and calls for stronger AU accountability. Will this be his defining moment? – by Crystal Orderson
Shifting Multilateral Ties: Charting a New Path for Africa in the Wake of Trump’s Actions
We explore Africa’s need for self-reliance amid shifting global dynamics. With America retreating from key commitments, we examine the impact on healthcare, climate action, and economic stability. Instead of dependence, Africa can harness its own resources, fight corruption, and adopt homegrown solutions—like Rwanda’s healthcare model and Kenya’s renewable energy success. The time for action is now. – by Norman Tanfield
A Bloody Start: Daniel Chapo’s Controversial Rise to Power in Mozambique
Daniel Chapo, representing Mozambique’s long-ruling FRELIMO party, was sworn in last week as president amid widespread controversy and unrest. Chapo’s victory sparked months of protests, met with a brutal government crackdown that has left many dead. – by Nyasha Mpani
Renew or Perish: As the African National Congress, ANC celebrated its 113th anniversary in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa used the moment to critically reflect on the politically bruising election that took place in May last year, in which the ANC lost its majority. He also urged party faithful that the movement must either rejuvenate itself or perish. – by Crystal Orderson
- Humanitarian Crisis in Central Sahel and The Fight for Survival – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s Fight against Violent Extremism.-by Silverio Gabriel, Visiting Researcher at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
- The Russo-Ukraine Conflict and Western Interests: What
Direction for Africa? -by Justin Steyn, Deputy Director: Research, City of Johannesburg
- A Master Class or Another Take? How a Master Strategist outmanoeuvred an entire country – Lorenzo Davids
- The Complexity of being the ANC: Does it secretly long for the opposition benches? -Lorenzo Davids
- Will Mnangagwa pass the Litmus Test of Democratic Resolve? – Nyasha Mcbride Mpani
-
Rwanda deploying another 2,500 soldiers to help Mozambique fight Cabo Delgado insurgency – Charles Mangwiro
Humanitarian Crisis in Cabo Delgado: The Need for Relief and the Quest for Peacemaking.
– Charles Mangwiro
Burundi-Rwanda Rivalry: RED-Tabara Rebel Attacks Add to Regional Tensions.
– Patrick Hajayandi
From Hope to Crisis: Senegal’s Victory and Togo’s Setback
– Nyasha Mcbride Mpani
– Kate Lefko-Everett, Preston Govindasamy and Jan Hofmeyr
– Danielle Hoffmeester
– Felicity Harrison
– Felicity Harrision
– Jaynisha Patel
– Amanda Lucey
– Dr. Webster Zambara
Political culture, not the Constitution, an impediment to a better life for all South Africans.
– Jan Hofmeyr
Political culture, not the Constitution, an impediment to a better life for all South Africans.
– Jan Hofmeyr
South Africa’s Land Expropriation Act aims to correct historical injustices through land redistribution while ensuring legal safeguards. Amid growing resistance, its success will determine whether it fosters justice and reconciliation or sparks turmoil.
Zelensky’s SA visit marks a pivotal shift in Ramaphosa’s global diplomacy and trade strategy.
Glen Mpani warns that another military coup in Zimbabwe would worsen the nation’s crisis, as neither regional allies nor global powers are likely to step in this time.
Democracy Discarded, Dictators Applauded: Africa’s Youth and the Seduction of the Soldier
– by Norman Tanfield
As US-South Africa tensions escalate, the future of AGOA hangs in the balance—will the nation pivot or pay the price?
– by Crystal Orderson
Government trust isn’t just about corruption—it’s about delivery. South Africans care more about working services than clean hands.
– by Preston Govindasamy
Africa’s youth are increasingly protesting against governance failures, corruption, and economic inequalities, demanding transformative change across the continent.
– by Tim Murithi
Peacebuilding must go beyond governance and conflict prevention to address the deep psychological and emotional scars left by colonialism. Emotional Justice and psycho-social well-being are essential to healing the intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and cultural erasure that continue to impact formerly colonized societies. By recognizing the emotional toll of colonial history and fostering safe spaces for healing, we can create sustainable peace and restore justice in a way that is both holistic and transformative.
– by Felicity Harrison
South Africa leverages its historic G20 presidency to champion Africa’s priorities, pushing for debt relief, economic equity, and a stronger voice in global decision-making.
– by Crystal Orderson
Despite decades of aspirations for continental unity, Africa continues to grapple with governance challenges that hinder collective progress. This piece explores the AU’s role, the principle of non-interference, and the steps needed to transform Pan-Africanism from an ideal into tangible action.
– by Norman Tanfield
The issue examines the global momentum behind reparations for colonialism and slavery, contextualizing it within South Africa’s unfinished reconciliation process. It critiques the country’s limited apartheid reparations, highlights ongoing economic inequalities, and explores pathways for a renewed approach to justice and equity. – by Kate Lefko-Everett
The upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) election on February 25 marks a pivotal moment as Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister, emerges as a frontrunner to succeed Moussa Faki. With strong backing from East African nations and key support across Africa, Odinga presents a vision focused on economic transformation, financial independence, gender equity, and continental integration. However, he faces competition from Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Radrian Mandrato. If elected, Odinga will navigate Africa’s geopolitical challenges, ongoing conflicts, and calls for stronger AU accountability. Will this be his defining moment? – by Crystal Orderson
Shifting Multilateral Ties: Charting a New Path for Africa in the Wake of Trump’s Actions
We explore Africa’s need for self-reliance amid shifting global dynamics. With America retreating from key commitments, we examine the impact on healthcare, climate action, and economic stability. Instead of dependence, Africa can harness its own resources, fight corruption, and adopt homegrown solutions—like Rwanda’s healthcare model and Kenya’s renewable energy success. The time for action is now. – by Norman Tanfield
A Bloody Start: Daniel Chapo’s Controversial Rise to Power in Mozambique
Daniel Chapo, representing Mozambique’s long-ruling FRELIMO party, was sworn in last week as president amid widespread controversy and unrest. Chapo’s victory sparked months of protests, met with a brutal government crackdown that has left many dead. – by Nyasha Mpani
Renew or Perish: As the African National Congress, ANC celebrated its 113th anniversary in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa used the moment to critically reflect on the politically bruising election that took place in May last year, in which the ANC lost its majority. He also urged party faithful that the movement must either rejuvenate itself or perish. – by Crystal Orderson
- Humanitarian Crisis in Central Sahel and The Fight for Survival – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s Fight against Violent Extremism.-by Silverio Gabriel, Visiting Researcher at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
- The Russo-Ukraine Conflict and Western Interests: What
Direction for Africa? -by Justin Steyn, Deputy Director: Research, City of Johannesburg
- A Master Class or Another Take? How a Master Strategist outmanoeuvred an entire country – Lorenzo Davids
- The Complexity of being the ANC: Does it secretly long for the opposition benches? -Lorenzo Davids
- Will Mnangagwa pass the Litmus Test of Democratic Resolve? – Nyasha Mcbride Mpani
-
Rwanda deploying another 2,500 soldiers to help Mozambique fight Cabo Delgado insurgency – Charles Mangwiro
Humanitarian Crisis in Cabo Delgado: The Need for Relief and the Quest for Peacemaking.
– Charles Mangwiro
Burundi-Rwanda Rivalry: RED-Tabara Rebel Attacks Add to Regional Tensions.
– Patrick Hajayandi
From Hope to Crisis: Senegal’s Victory and Togo’s Setback
– Nyasha Mcbride Mpani
– Kate Lefko-Everett, Preston Govindasamy and Jan Hofmeyr
– Danielle Hoffmeester
– Felicity Harrison
– Felicity Harrision
– Jaynisha Patel
– Amanda Lucey
– Dr. Webster Zambara
Political culture, not the Constitution, an impediment to a better life for all South Africans.
– Jan Hofmeyr
Political culture, not the Constitution, an impediment to a better life for all South Africans.
– Jan Hofmeyr