Mvemba is joined by Eric Kuikende-Banshona, a Provenance Researcher at the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They highlight the importance of restituting African artifacts to move past European colonial history in Africa. They also urge African political leaders to focus on Africa’s cultural richness and collaborate with Western leaders to restore the history and cultures of the African people. They highlight the obligation of Western museums and private art collectors not to hide African artifacts but instead work with African provenance experts to write the authentic narratives of the artwork to preserve the meanings and knowledge they carry. 

Mvemba is joined by Eric Kuikende-Banshona, a Provenance Researcher at the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They highlight the importance of restituting African artifacts to move past European colonial history in Africa. They also urge African political leaders to focus on Africa’s cultural richness and collaborate with Western leaders to restore the history and cultures of the African people. They highlight the obligation of Western museums and private art collectors not to hide African artifacts but instead work with African provenance experts to write the authentic narratives of the artwork to preserve the meanings and knowledge they carry.

The Restitution of African Art 

Mvemba is joined by CSIS’s Catrina Doxsee, Associate Director and Associate Fellow with the Transnational Threats Project, and ICG’s Delaney Simon, Senior Analyst with the U.S. Program to discuss the Wagner Group’s African operations. They highlight the quasi-independent Russian paramilitary group’s atrocious activities and how they have caused social, humanitarian, and economic harm in Africa. Contrary to the widely held belief that the group is all over Africa, the discussants indicate it is active in Mali, Libya, Sudan, and Central African Republic. They illustrate how the private military company’s operations in those African countries have left a trail of instability, allowing Russia to expand its military footprint in Africa without accountability. They argue that it is a mistake for the United States to designate the Wagner Group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) because the designation would trigger far-reaching and counterproductive reactions that would adversely affect critical facets of U.S. engagement in Africa.   

Mvemba is joined by CSIS’s Catrina Doxsee, Associate Director and Associate Fellow with the Transnational Threats Project, and ICG’s Delaney Simon, Senior Analyst with the U.S. Program to discuss the Wagner Group’s African operations. They highlight the quasi-independent Russian paramilitary group’s atrocious activities and how they have caused social, humanitarian, and economic harm in Africa. Contrary to the widely held belief that the group is all over Africa, the discussants indicate it is active in Mali, Libya, Sudan, and Central African Republic. They illustrate how the private military company’s operations in those African countries have left a trail of instability, allowing Russia to expand its military footprint in Africa without accountability. They argue that it is a mistake for the United States to designate the Wagner Group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) because the designation would trigger far-reaching and counterproductive reactions that would adversely affect critical facets of U.S. engagement in Africa.

The Wagner Group: The Kremlin’s Indispensable Hand in Africa  

Mvemba is joined by David McNair, Executive Director for Global Policy at The ONE Campaign, W. Gyude Moore, Senior Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development, and Savior Mwambwa, Senior Advisor at Open Society Foundations to discuss the state of indebtedness in Africa. They review the reasons why some African countries are defaulting on debt repayment and why others have chosen to prioritize debt servicing over the provision of public goods. The discussion highlights the systemic injustice of the excessive cost of debt whereby African countries pay more than their rich counterparts. They propose the restructuring of the international financial system to reduce the cost of borrowing and help mitigate the economic fragility that affects developing nations. They encourage African countries to speak in one voice to increase their leverage as rule-makers.

Mvemba is joined by David McNair, Executive Director for Global Policy at The ONE Campaign, W. Gyude Moore, Senior Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development, and Savior Mwambwa, Senior Advisor at Open Society Foundations to discuss the state of indebtedness in Africa. They review the reasons why some African countries are defaulting on debt repayment and why others have chosen to prioritize debt servicing over the provision of public goods. The discussion highlights the systemic injustice of the excessive cost of debt whereby African countries pay more than their rich counterparts. They propose the restructuring of the international financial system to reduce the cost of borrowing and help mitigate the economic fragility that affects developing nations. They encourage African countries to speak in one voice to increase their leverage as rule-makers.

The State of Africa’s Indebtedness

Mvemba is joined by Major General Michael J. Turley, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard. Turley discusses the contribution of the Utah National Guard to the execution of United States foreign security assistance at a much-reduced cost and reduced time expenditure, and the participation of the Guard in African Lion, the largest US military exercise in Africa. He further describes the importance of the Utah National Guard’s 20-year partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, and how national guards’ units help build strong civil societies to support Africa’s transition from its colonial past and neocolonialism to democratic societies. They delve into the different components of training support the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have received from the Utah National Guard, including humanitarian mine assistance, special forces capability training, the US Department of Defense’s military sales process, and civil emergency service training. Turley identifies language and religious barriers as the most significant challenges the Utah National Guard has faced in a longstanding partnership with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces and highlights traditional strong family values as a bridge between the two partners. 

Mvemba is joined by Major General Michael J. Turley, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard. Turley discusses the contribution of the Utah National Guard to the execution of United States foreign security assistance at a much-reduced cost and reduced time expenditure, and the participation of the Guard in African Lion, the largest US military exercise in Africa. He further describes the importance of the Utah National Guard’s 20-year partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, and how national guards’ units help build strong civil societies to support Africa’s transition from its colonial past and neocolonialism to democratic societies. They delve into the different components of training support the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have received from the Utah National Guard, including humanitarian mine assistance, special forces capability training, the US Department of Defense’s military sales process, and civil emergency service training. Turley identifies language and religious barriers as the most significant challenges the Utah National Guard has faced in a longstanding partnership with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces and highlights traditional strong family values as a bridge between the two partners.

Utah National Guard’s 20-year Partnership with Moroccan Royal Armed Forces 

Mvemba is joined by Rawan Hamadeh, Program Officer for Mental Health Programs at Project HOPE. Rawan highlights Project HOPE’s mental health and resilience initiatives and how the organization has been able to train over 100,000 health workers across the globe, of which 25,000 are from Africa. They discuss the limited mental health resources available to health workers around the world, and how COVID-19 exacerbated these challenges. They dive deeper into the stigma surrounding mental health and the role of policymakers in prioritizing mental health by allocating more funding to the sector.

Mvemba is joined by Rawan Hamadeh, Program Officer for Mental Health Programs at Project HOPE. Rawan highlights Project HOPE’s mental health and resilience initiatives and how the organization has been able to train over 100,000 health workers across the globe, of which 25,000 are from Africa. They discuss the limited mental health resources available to health workers around the world, and how COVID-19 exacerbated these challenges. They dive deeper into the stigma surrounding mental health and the role of policymakers in prioritizing mental health by allocating more funding to the sector.

Health Workers Need Mental Health Care Too

Ghana, Africa’s shining black star, is grappling with a spectrum of challenges, from a faltering cedi to public discontent and security threats (both internally and across their borders). Mvemba is joined by Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar (Executive Director of West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism) for a diagnosis of Ghana’s politics, socioeconomic, and security landscape.

Ghana, Africa’s shining black star, is grappling with a spectrum of challenges, from a faltering cedi to public discontent and security threats (both internally and across their borders). Mvemba is joined by Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar (Executive Director of West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism) for a diagnosis of Ghana’s politics, socioeconomic, and security landscape.

A Trying Chapter for Africa’s Black Star

Mvemba is joined by Major General Todd Wasmund, Commanding General of the Southern Europe Taskforce Africa. They discuss the goals and objectives of the 11th ALFS, Africa's security landscape, and the evolving partnerships between the United States military and African armies. 

Mvemba is joined by Major General Todd Wasmund, Commanding General of the Southern Europe Taskforce Africa. They discuss the goals and objectives of the 11th ALFS, Africa's security landscape, and the evolving partnerships between the United States military and African armies.

A Peek Into the African Land Forces Summit

Mvemba is joined by Maria Burnett (Senior Associate, CSIS Africa Program) and Gyude Moore (Senior Policy Fellow, Center for Global Development). They discuss the slate of high-level U.S. government visits to Africa, culminating with Vice President Kamala Harris, and the impact of these visits on U.S.-Africa relations.

Mvemba is joined by Maria Burnett (Senior Associate, CSIS Africa Program) and Gyude Moore (Senior Policy Fellow, Center for Global Development). They discuss the slate of high-level U.S. government visits to Africa, culminating with Vice President Kamala Harris, and the impact of these visits on U.S.-Africa relations.

VP Harris Takes U.S. Promises One Step Further

Mvemba is joined by Cameron Hudson, Senior Associate with the CSIS Africa Program. They unpack the long-term drivers of tensions between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the factors that have triggered the current deadly unrest, and its devastating impact on civilians. They also discuss concerns about the conflict spreading across the region and the fate of Sudan's beleaguered democratic transition and security sector reforms.

Mvemba is joined by Cameron Hudson, Senior Associate with the CSIS Africa Program. They unpack the long-term drivers of tensions between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the factors that have triggered the current deadly unrest, and its devastating impact on civilians. They also discuss concerns about the conflict spreading across the region and the fate of Sudan's beleaguered democratic transition and security sector reforms.

Sudan Conflict: How Did We Get Here?

Catherine Nzuki, Associate Fellow with the CSIS Africa Program, steps in for Mvemba this week. Catherine is joined by two Ghanaian clerics: Bishop Alfred Agyenta and Sheikh Dr. Hazic Hussein Zakaria. They discuss insecurity and peacebuilding in the Sahel, the drivers of conflict in Ghana, the power of religious peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, and the long-term solutions to the crisis in the Sahel. Find out more about the Sahel Peace Initiative: https://www.crs.org/media-center/current-issues/sahel-crisis-facts-and-how-help

Catherine Nzuki, Associate Fellow with the CSIS Africa Program, steps in for Mvemba this week. Catherine is joined by two Ghanaian clerics: Bishop Alfred Agyenta and Sheikh Dr. Hazic Hussein Zakaria. They discuss insecurity and peacebuilding in the Sahel, the drivers of conflict in Ghana, the power of religious peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, and the long-term solutions to the crisis in the Sahel. Find out more about the Sahel Peace Initiative: <a href="https://www.crs.org/media-center/current-issues/sahel-crisis-facts-and-how-help" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.crs.org/media-center/current-issues/sahel-crisis-facts-and-how-help</a>

The Clerics Forging Peace in the Sahel

Fearless music activists. Savvy tech entrepreneurs. Social disrupters. Into Africa shatters the narratives that dominate U.S. perceptions of Africa. Host Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Africa program director and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., sits down with policymakers, journalists, academics and other trailblazers in African affairs to shine a spotlight on the faces spearheading cultural, political, and economic change on the continent.

Each episode makes me smarter. The podcast covers a wide range of topics and features a variety of voices. My favorite episodes are on African print, LBGTQ+ rights across the continent, and the episode featuring Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition politician. Fantastic lineup for each episode.

Digestible, vibrant podcast on Africa

Every topic is interesting and nuanced. I always walk away learning something new and feeling challenged to think bigger.

Most Dynamic Podcast on Africa Yet

Into Africa

From Sudanese protest icons to top political posts in Ethiopia, Liberia, and beyond, women are rising rapidly to the helm of sub-Saharan African politics. Host Judd Devermont is joined by Riva Levinson (KRL International), Mwende Mwinzi (Kenya’s ambassadorial designate to South Korea), and Esther Tawiah (Gender Centre for Empowering Development) to dissect the challenges women face as they break into a historically male-dominated arena. The episode begins with quick takes of the Trump Administration’s “Prosper Africa” initiative and motivations behind Liberia’s June 7th protests.

From Sudanese protest icons to top political posts in Ethiopia, Liberia, and beyond, women are rising rapidly to the helm of sub-Saharan African politics. Host Judd Devermont is joined by Riva Levinson (KRL International), Mwende Mwinzi (Kenya’s ambassadorial designate to South Korea), and Esther Tawiah (Gender Centre for Empowering Development) to dissect the challenges women face as they break into a historically male-dominated arena. The episode begins with quick takes of the Trump Administration’s “Prosper Africa” initiative and motivations behind Liberia’s June 7th protests.

It’s a Woman’s World

Should polling shape U.S. policy decisions in Africa? Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi (Afrobarometer), Christopher Fomunyoh (National Democratic Institute) and Brittany Brown (International Crisis Group) join Judd Devermont (CSIS) to discuss the role of polling in U.S.-Africa policy development and implementation. Guests also touch on President of Guinea Alpha Conde’s third term ambitions and Ghana’s 2020 presidential elections.

Should polling shape U.S. policy decisions in Africa? Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi (Afrobarometer), Christopher Fomunyoh (National Democratic Institute) and Brittany Brown (International Crisis Group) join Judd Devermont (CSIS) to discuss the role of polling in U.S.-Africa policy development and implementation. Guests also touch on President of Guinea Alpha Conde’s third term ambitions and Ghana’s 2020 presidential elections.

Where’s the “Poll” in U.S. Policy?

Africa plays a major role in world affairs and will gain in prominence in the coming decades. How should the U.S. support African studies programs to develop the next generation of Africa experts? This special episode was recorded live at The Elliott School of International Affairs. Judd Devermont is joined by Ambassador Reuben Brigety II (The Elliot School); Jennifer Cooke (The Elliot School’s Institute for African Studies) and Professor Mohammed Camara (Howard University) to discuss the future of African studies. Also, Trump’s travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan, Eritrea, and Tanzania and President Ramaphosa’s new role as African Union Chair.Background Reading: Trump trashes Nigeria and bans its immigrants. Nigerians love him for it. – Adaobi Nwaubani, The Washington Post

Africa plays a major role in world affairs and will gain in prominence in the coming decades. How should the U.S. support African studies programs to develop the next generation of Africa experts? This special episode was recorded live at The Elliott School of International Affairs. Judd Devermont is joined by Ambassador Reuben Brigety II (The Elliot School); Jennifer Cooke (The Elliot School’s Institute for African Studies) and Professor Mohammed Camara (Howard University) to discuss the future of African studies. Also, Trump’s travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan, Eritrea, and Tanzania and President Ramaphosa’s new role as African Union Chair.Background Reading:<ul><li> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/trump-trashes-nigeria-and-bans-its-immigrants-nigerians-love-him-for-it/2020/02/07/ed985a4c-4853-11ea-ab15-b5df3261b710_story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump trashes Nigeria and bans its immigrants. Nigerians love him for it.</a> – Adaobi Nwaubani, The Washington Post</li></ul>

The Future of African Studies

Supporting political transitions from military to civilian rule in Africa requires consistent engagement, international coordination, and diplomatic flexibility. If mishandled, it could result in violence and a democratic reversal. This episode features Ambassador Johnnie Carson, former NSC Director Allison Lombardo, as well as our first African Arguments author Faten Aggad, for a conversation on the significance of power transitions on the continent. Guests also weigh in on recent violence in Sudan and Uganda’s political and economic trajectories.

Supporting political transitions from military to civilian rule in Africa requires consistent engagement, international coordination, and diplomatic flexibility. If mishandled, it could result in violence and a democratic reversal. This episode features Ambassador Johnnie Carson, former NSC Director Allison Lombardo, as well as our first African Arguments author Faten Aggad, for a conversation on the significance of power transitions on the continent. Guests also weigh in on recent violence in Sudan and Uganda’s political and economic trajectories.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Transition

How have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative and the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.Background Reading:  Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies by Ken Opalo  Cameroon Must Make Concessions to End the Anglophone Crisis by Ken Opalo and Claire Hazbun Congressional Letter to His Excellency Paul Biya What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020

How have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative and the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.Background Reading:<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Legislative-Development-Africa-Politics-Postcolonial/dp/110849210X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies</a> by Ken Opalo</li> <li> <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/27/cameroon-must-make-concessions-to-end-the-anglophone-crisis-paul-biya/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cameroon Must Make Concessions to End the Anglophone Crisis</a> by Ken Opalo and Claire Hazbun</li> <li><a href="https://bass.house.gov/sites/bass.house.gov/files/Congressional%20Letter%20to%20His%20Excellency%20Paul%20Biya%20Final%2012%202019.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Congressional Letter to His Excellency Paul Biya</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/what-watch-sub-saharan-africa-2020" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020</a></li></ul>

Bringing African Legislatures Back In

What is the role of the courts in ensuring that elections are free and fair? Are African courts becoming more independent? In our fifth episode with African Arguments, Jimmy Kainja (academic), Marti Flacks (former NSC Director for Africa), and Carl LeVan (American University), join Judd Devermont to explore recent developments in how elections are conducted. Guests also discuss the nullification of election results in Malawi and Kenya, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s fourth term and more. Background Reading  Malawi court orders fresh elections. What now? by African Arguments  The Game Has Changed: Rethinking the U.S. Role in Supporting Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa by Judd Devermont  The opposition playbook for discrediting elections and its risks by African Arguments  How to Rig an Election by Nic Cheeseman

What is the role of the courts in ensuring that elections are free and fair? Are African courts becoming more independent? In our fifth episode with African Arguments, Jimmy Kainja (academic), Marti Flacks (former NSC Director for Africa), and Carl LeVan (American University), join Judd Devermont to explore recent developments in how elections are conducted. Guests also discuss the nullification of election results in Malawi and Kenya, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s fourth term and more. Background Reading<ul> <li> <a href="https://africanarguments.org/2020/02/04/malawi-court-orders-fresh-elections-what-now/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Malawi court orders fresh elections. What now?</a> by African Arguments</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/game-has-changed-rethinking-us-role-supporting-elections-sub-saharan-africa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Game Has Changed: Rethinking the U.S. Role in Supporting Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa</a> by Judd Devermont</li> <li> <a href="https://africanarguments.org/2020/02/24/the-opposition-playbook-for-discrediting-election-and-its-risks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The opposition playbook for discrediting elections and its risks</a> by African Arguments</li> <li> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Rig-Election-Nic-Cheeseman/dp/0300204434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Rig an Election</a> by Nic Cheeseman</li></ul>

In Courts We Trust?

As African national teams battle it out on the pitch in Cairo, Host Judd Devermont (CSIS Africa Program Director) is joined by Trina Bolton (U.S. State Department), Ayodeji Rotinwa (African Arguments) and Richard Downie (CSIS) to discuss the political implications and soft power potential of the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Guests kick off the episode assessing the current friction within Botswana’s ruling party and the recent political violence in Ethiopia.

As African national teams battle it out on the pitch in Cairo, Host Judd Devermont (CSIS Africa Program Director) is joined by Trina Bolton (U.S. State Department), Ayodeji Rotinwa (African Arguments) and Richard Downie (CSIS) to discuss the political implications and soft power potential of the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Guests kick off the episode assessing the current friction within Botswana’s ruling party and the recent political violence in Ethiopia.

The Beautiful Game’s Soft Power

How do coup d'etats unfold in sub-Saharan Africa? Host Judd Devermont (CSIS Africa Program Director) sits down with experts Naunihal Singh (Naval War College), Max Siollun (Nigerian historian and author), and Alexis Arieff (Congressional Research Service) to discuss the political and intra-military dynamics that shape coups on the continent, and debate the impacts of technology on future military takeovers. First up, guests size up DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's first 100 days in office and weigh the significance of Mauritania's upcoming presidential election.

How do coup d'etats unfold in sub-Saharan Africa? Host Judd Devermont (CSIS Africa Program Director) sits down with experts Naunihal Singh (Naval War College), Max Siollun (Nigerian historian and author), and Alexis Arieff (Congressional Research Service) to discuss the political and intra-military dynamics that shape coups on the continent, and debate the impacts of technology on future military takeovers. First up, guests size up DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's first 100 days in office and weigh the significance of Mauritania's upcoming presidential election.

Updating the Coup Playbook

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect the future of business, trade, and investment in sub-Saharan Africa? How important will technology and automation be for economic development in the region? Guests Laird Treiber (State Department), Chukwuka Onyekwena (Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa), and Vijaya Ramachandran (Center for Global Development) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the new world of work. Guests also analyze South Africa and Nigeria’s responses to the pandemic.Background Reading  South Africa’s Bold Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic – Judd Devermont and Topaz Mukulu  Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Nigerian economy – Chukwuka Onyekwena and Mma Ekeruche  Nigeria's Tech Sector May Be Booming, but Where Are the Women? – Vijaya Ramachandran and Blessing Omakwu  Can Africa Be a Manufacturing Destination? Labor Costs in Comparative Perspective – Vijaya Ramachandran et al.  Philanthropy and the Humanitarian Crisis in Northeast Nigeria – Judd Devermont

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect the future of business, trade, and investment in sub-Saharan Africa? How important will technology and automation be for economic development in the region? Guests Laird Treiber (State Department), Chukwuka Onyekwena (Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa), and Vijaya Ramachandran (Center for Global Development) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the new world of work. Guests also analyze South Africa and Nigeria’s responses to the pandemic.Background Reading<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/south-africas-bold-response-covid-19-pandemic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Africa’s Bold Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic</a> – Judd Devermont and Topaz Mukulu</li> <li> <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2020/04/08/understanding-the-impact-of-the-covid-19-outbreak-on-the-nigerian-economy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Nigerian economy</a> – Chukwuka Onyekwena and Mma Ekeruche</li> <li> <a href="https://www.cgdev.org/blog/nigerias-tech-sector-may-be-booming-where-are-women" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nigeria's Tech Sector May Be Booming, but Where Are the Women?</a> – Vijaya Ramachandran and Blessing Omakwu</li> <li> <a href="https://www.cgdev.org/publication/can-africa-be-manufacturing-destination-labor-costs-comparative-perspective" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Can Africa Be a Manufacturing Destination? Labor Costs in Comparative Perspective</a> – Vijaya Ramachandran et al.</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/features/philanthropy-humanitarian-crisis-northeast-nigeria" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philanthropy and the Humanitarian Crisis in Northeast Nigeria</a> – Judd Devermont</li></ul>

Work in the Age of Covid-19

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect African governments’ ability to respond to violent extremism in the region? Will groups exploit the health, economic, and political crisis brought on by the pandemic? In this security-focused episode, host Judd Devermont is joined by Bulama Bukarti (Tony Blair Institute), Emilia Columbo (CSIS), and Will Brown (The Telegraph, CSIS) to discuss the violence in northern Mozambique, Boko Haram’s attack on Chadian soldiers in late March, and Covid'19's implications for the security landscape.Background Reading:  Extremist Groups Stepping up Operations during the Covid-19 Outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa – Emilia Columbo and Marielle Harris  Supporting Mozambique’s Response to the Growing Insurgent Threat in Cabo Delgado – Emilia Columbo  How Jihadi Groups in Africa Will Exploit COVID-19 – Bulama Bukarti  As the World Is Distracted, Boko Haram Terrorists Strike a Key Western Ally – Will Brown

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect African governments’ ability to respond to violent extremism in the region? Will groups exploit the health, economic, and political crisis brought on by the pandemic? In this security-focused episode, host Judd Devermont is joined by Bulama Bukarti (Tony Blair Institute), Emilia Columbo (CSIS), and Will Brown (The Telegraph, CSIS) to discuss the violence in northern Mozambique, Boko Haram’s attack on Chadian soldiers in late March, and Covid'19's implications for the security landscape.Background Reading:<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/extremist-groups-stepping-operations-during-covid-19-outbreak-sub-saharan-africa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extremist Groups Stepping up Operations during the Covid-19 Outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa</a> – Emilia Columbo and Marielle Harris</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/supporting-mozambiques-response-growing-insurgent-threat-cabo-delgado" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Supporting Mozambique’s Response to the Growing Insurgent Threat in Cabo Delgado</a> – Emilia Columbo</li> <li> <a href="https://www.cfr.org/blog/how-jihadi-groups-africa-will-exploit-covid-19" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Jihadi Groups in Africa Will Exploit COVID-19</a> – Bulama Bukarti</li> <li> <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/04/01/boko-haram-islamist-terrorists-strike-chad-while-world-distracted-by-coronavirus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">As the World Is Distracted, Boko Haram Terrorists Strike a Key Western Ally</a> – Will Brown</li></ul>

Viruses and VEOs

Experts project that the next few years will be pivotal for Africa's growth and influence. What policies should African governments and their partners focus on to positively shift the region’s trajectory? Jonathan Rosenthal (The Economist), Erin Sikorsky (National Intelligence Council), and Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies) join Judd Devermont to discuss forecasting and the continent's projected growth and development. Guests also explore the widespread abuses by security forces during Covid-19 enforced lockdowns and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s decision to step down. Background Reading:  Africa First! Igniting a Growth Revolution - Jakkie Cilliers  The African Century (The Economist special report) - Jonathan Rosenthal   Global Trends: The Paradox of Progress (2017 report)  - National Intelligence Council 

Experts project that the next few years will be pivotal for Africa's growth and influence. What policies should African governments and their partners focus on to positively shift the region’s trajectory? Jonathan Rosenthal (The Economist), Erin Sikorsky (National Intelligence Council), and Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies) join Judd Devermont to discuss forecasting and the continent's projected growth and development. Guests also explore the widespread abuses by security forces during Covid-19 enforced lockdowns and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s decision to step down.  Background Reading:<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Africa-First-Igniting-Growth-Revolution-ebook/dp/B084GRYC68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Africa First! Igniting a Growth Revolution</a> - Jakkie Cilliers</li> <li> <a href="https://www.economist.com/special-report/2020/03/26/africa-is-changing-so-rapidly-it-is-becoming-hard-to-ignore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The African Century</a> (The Economist special report) - Jonathan Rosenthal </li> <li> <a href="https://www.dni.gov/index.php/global-trends-home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Global Trends: The Paradox of Progress (2017 report) </a> - National Intelligence Council</li> </ul>

The Shape of Africa to Come

Can humor be leveraged to spark political change? Bruce Wharton (former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe), James Wan (African Arguments), and Nkechi Nwabudike (The Other News) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the role of satire in African media, politics, and diplomacy. Guests also discuss the government of Zimbabwe’s comments on Covid-19 and the challenge of holding free and fair elections during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is our sixth episode in partnership with African Arguments.Background Reading:  Surviving COVID-19: Fragility, Resilience and Inequality in Zimbabwe - African Arguments  Pandemic at the Polls - Judd Devermont  Satire: BP praised for ambition to destroy Africa but potentially a bit slower - James Wan  Writing about “that kind of country” in a time of coronavirus - Jess Auerbach 

Can humor be leveraged to spark political change? Bruce Wharton (former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe), James Wan (African Arguments), and Nkechi Nwabudike (The Other News) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the role of satire in African media, politics, and diplomacy. Guests also discuss the government of Zimbabwe’s comments on Covid-19 and the challenge of holding free and fair elections during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is our sixth episode in partnership with African Arguments.Background Reading:<ul> <li> <a href="https://africanarguments.org/2020/03/27/surviving-covid-19-fragility-resilience-and-inequality-in-zimbabwe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving COVID-19: Fragility, Resilience and Inequality in Zimbabwe </a>- African Arguments</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/pandemic-polls" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic at the Polls</a> - Judd Devermont</li> <li> <a href="https://africanarguments.org/2020/02/21/bp-praised-for-ambition-to-destroy-africa-but-potentially-a-bit-slower/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Satire: BP praised for ambition to destroy Africa but potentially a bit slower </a>- James Wan</li> <li> <a href="https://africanarguments.org/2020/03/19/writing-about-that-kind-of-country-in-a-time-of-coronavirus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Writing about “that kind of country” in a time of coronavirus</a> - Jess Auerbach </li></ul>

Never, Ever, Explain Satire 

Rising temperatures across the globe will have profound consequences for Africa’s oceans and the people that are dependent on them for their livelihoods. How can countries work together in order to mitigate the effects of climate change? Max Bearak (Washington Post), Nina Forgwe (British High Commission in Cameroon) and Whit Saumweber (CSIS) join host Judd Devermont to discuss local and international community responses. Also, guests review how governments are reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming year for the diplomatic initiative: G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea Group. Background Reading:  A Crisis in the Water is Decimating This Once-Booming Fishing Town  by Max Bearak and Chris Mooney  COVID-19 Is an African Political Crisis as Much as a Health and Economic Emergency  by Judd Devermont and Eric Olander 

Rising temperatures across the globe will have profound consequences for Africa’s oceans and the people that are dependent on them for their livelihoods. How can countries work together in order to mitigate the effects of climate change? Max Bearak (Washington Post), Nina Forgwe (British High Commission in Cameroon) and Whit Saumweber (CSIS) join host Judd Devermont to discuss local and international community responses. Also, guests review how governments are reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming year for the diplomatic initiative: G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea Group.  Background Reading:<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/world/climate-environment/angola-climate-change/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Crisis in the Water is Decimating This Once-Booming Fishing Town </a> by Max Bearak and Chris Mooney</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/covid-19-african-political-crisis-much-health-and-economic-emergency" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">COVID-19 Is an African Political Crisis as Much as a Health and Economic Emergency </a> by Judd Devermont and Eric Olander</li> </ul>

In Hot Water

African militaries are working with the U.S., China, Russia, and others in order to address their security concerns. In an increasingly crowded space, are Africans looking for a partner of choice or a choice of partners? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Katie Bo Williams (Defense One), Ryan Cummings (Signal Risk) and Jonah Victor (Author) to discuss African views on U.S. and foreign security assistance. Guests also review Malian President Keita’s negotiations with extremist leaders and the wave of vigilante violence in Zambia.Background Reading  African Security: An Introduction - Jonah Victor and John Siko  Speaking with Vampires: Rumor and History in Colonial Africa - Luise White  Social media claims about Zambia gas attacks linked to riots, lynchings - AFP 

African militaries are working with the U.S., China, Russia, and others in order to address their security concerns. In an increasingly crowded space, are Africans looking for a partner of choice or a choice of partners? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Katie Bo Williams (Defense One), Ryan Cummings (Signal Risk) and Jonah Victor (Author) to discuss African views on U.S. and foreign security assistance. Guests also review Malian President Keita’s negotiations with extremist leaders and the wave of vigilante violence in Zambia. Background Reading<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/african-security-9781788317429/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">African Security: An Introduction</a> - Jonah Victor and John Siko</li> <li> <a href="https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520217041/speaking-with-vampires" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Speaking with Vampires: Rumor and History in Colonial Africa</a> - Luise White</li> <li> <a href="https://factcheck.afp.com/social-media-claims-about-zambia-gas-attacks-linked-riots-lynchings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Social media claims about Zambia gas attacks linked to riots, lynchings</a> - AFP</li> </ul>

Partner of Choice

Most migrants stay in Africa, settling in a neighboring country rather than traveling to Europe. How is this shaping demographic and urbanization trends in Africa? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Abdi Nor Iftin (Author), Erol Yayboke (CSIS), and Beza Tesfaye (Mercy Corps) to discuss Abdi’s book ‘Call Me American: A Memoir.’ Also on this episode; guests discuss South Sudan’s fragile peace deal and humanitarian challenges, plus the threat of Al Shabaab in Somalia. Background Reading  Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin  A Short Window to Resuscitate South Sudan’s Ailing Peace Deal by Crisis Group  Trends in Forced Migration Report by Erol Yayboke  Critical Choices Report by Mercy Corps

Most migrants stay in Africa, settling in a neighboring country rather than traveling to Europe. How is this shaping demographic and urbanization trends in Africa? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Abdi Nor Iftin (Author), Erol Yayboke (CSIS), and Beza Tesfaye (Mercy Corps) to discuss Abdi’s book ‘Call Me American: A Memoir.’ Also on this episode; guests discuss South Sudan’s fragile peace deal and humanitarian challenges, plus the threat of Al Shabaab in Somalia. Background Reading<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Call-American-Abdi-Nor-Iftin/dp/1524732192" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Call Me American: A Memoir</a> by Abdi Nor Iftin</li> <li> <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/south-sudan/short-window-resuscitate-south-sudans-ailing-peace-deal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Short Window to Resuscitate South Sudan’s Ailing Peace Deal</a> by Crisis Group</li> <li> <a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/trends-forced-migration" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trends in Forced Migration</a> Report by Erol Yayboke</li> <li> <a href="https://www.mercycorps.org/research-resources/critical-choices-assessing-effects-education-and-civic-engagement-somali-youths" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Critical Choices</a> Report by Mercy Corps</li></ul>

City of Immigrants

Local LGBT rights advocacy groups continue to form across the African continent. How can international advocates and policymakers support sexual minorities without making them more vulnerable to attacks? Robbie Corey-Boulet (AFP), Neela Ghoshal (Human Rights Watch), and Yoseph Badwaza (Freedom House) join host Judd Devermont to discuss Robbie’s new book, Love Falls on Us. Guests also assess Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Nobel Peace Prize win and current threats to President Déby’s regime in Chad. Background reading:Love Falls On Us: A Story of American Ideas and African LGBT Lives by Robbie Corey-Boulet.Briefing: Problems multiply in Déby’s Chad by Philip Kleinfield.

Local LGBT rights advocacy groups continue to form across the African continent. How can international advocates and policymakers support sexual minorities without making them more vulnerable to attacks? Robbie Corey-Boulet (AFP), Neela Ghoshal (Human Rights Watch), and Yoseph Badwaza (Freedom House) join host Judd Devermont to discuss Robbie’s new book, Love Falls on Us. Guests also assess Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Nobel Peace Prize win and current threats to President Déby’s regime in Chad. Background reading:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Falls-Us-American-African/dp/1786997088" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love Falls On Us: A Story of American Ideas and African LGBT Lives</a> by Robbie Corey-Boulet.<a href="https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2019/10/07/briefing-problems-multiply-deby-s-chad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Briefing: Problems multiply in Déby’s Chad</a> by Philip Kleinfield.

Finding Our Own Champions

African prints are wrapped up in complicated issues around gender, tradition, and commerce. How do these dynamics affect their starring role in the creative economy? In our fourth episode with African Arguments, host Judd Devermont is joined by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council); Topaz Mukulu (CSIS); and Idza Luhumyo (writer) to discuss the history and future of the East African leso. Guests also discuss Angola's new opposition leader and the impact of Chinese streaming service, Boomplay.

African prints are wrapped up in complicated issues around gender, tradition, and commerce. How do these dynamics affect their starring role in the creative economy? In our fourth episode with African Arguments, host Judd Devermont is joined by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council); Topaz Mukulu (CSIS); and Idza Luhumyo (writer) to discuss the history and future of the East African leso. Guests also discuss Angola's new opposition leader and the impact of Chinese streaming service, Boomplay.

A Love-Hate Relationship With African Print

In this special anniversary episode, Ugandan musician and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (aka. Bobi Wine), joins host Judd Devermont, Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (OkayAfrica) in studio to discuss the challenges he faces in the lead up to Uganda’s 2021 presidential elections. Plus, guests delve into Somalia’s domestic politics and examine why Nigeria’s first Oscar submission, Lionheart, was disqualified.

In this special anniversary episode, Ugandan musician and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (aka. Bobi Wine), joins host Judd Devermont, Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (OkayAfrica) in studio to discuss the challenges he faces in the lead up to Uganda’s 2021 presidential elections. Plus, guests delve into Somalia’s domestic politics and examine why Nigeria’s first Oscar submission, Lionheart, was disqualified.

Bobi Wine and the Making of a President

With the conclusion of the first-ever Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, how should the U.S. respond to Russia’s return to Africa? What are Putin’s goals for the region? Host Judd Devermont talks Russian engagement with Simon Allison (Mail &amp; Guardian), Andrea Kendall-Taylor (Center for a New American Security) and Karen Monaghan (retired CIA officer). Guests also discuss the latest on CAR’s conflict and Guinea-Bissau’s pivotal upcoming presidential elections.Background reading:Russian Theater: How to Respond to Moscow’s Return to the African Stage - Commentary by Judd Devermont

With the conclusion of the first-ever Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, how should the U.S. respond to Russia’s return to Africa? What are Putin’s goals for the region? Host Judd Devermont talks Russian engagement with Simon Allison (Mail &amp; Guardian), Andrea Kendall-Taylor (Center for a New American Security) and Karen Monaghan (retired CIA officer). Guests also discuss the latest on CAR’s conflict and Guinea-Bissau’s pivotal upcoming presidential elections.Background reading:<ul><li><a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/russian-theater-how-respond-moscows-return-african-stage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Russian Theater: How to Respond to Moscow’s Return to the African Stage - Commentary by Judd Devermont</a></li></ul>

The Russia-Africa Show in Sochi

What role does digital identity play in unlocking Africa’s economic potential? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Magdi Amin (Omidyar Network), Cameron Hudson (Atlantic Council) and Victoria Crandall (Young African Entrepreneur podcast) to discuss the significance of digital ID, Sudan’s battle to implement reforms and revive its economy, and Benin’s current state of affairs.

What role does digital identity play in unlocking Africa’s economic potential? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Magdi Amin (Omidyar Network), Cameron Hudson (Atlantic Council) and Victoria Crandall (Young African Entrepreneur podcast) to discuss the significance of digital ID, Sudan’s battle to implement reforms and revive its economy, and Benin’s current state of affairs.

Where’s Your Digital ID?

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