The African Union and a Stable Ethiopia

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on 16 March 2018 a commentary titled "Why the African Union Needs a Stable Ethiopia" by Liesl Louw-Vaudran, ISS consultant.

While acknowledging that the African Union, which has its headquarters in Addis Ababa, has little ability to influence the internal political situation in Ethiopia, the author reports that the AU is increasingly concerned about anti-government protests in the country.

New Scramble for Africa

Aljazeera's Empire program recently ran a 47 minute segment titled "New Scramble for Africa" with moderator Marwan Bishara.  The program sought to obtain the African response to growing foreign engagement with Africa.  It asked the question whether Africans are taking matters into their own hands or is this another scramble for Africa. 

The program was generally critical of Chinese economic interaction with Africa, the US role in countering terrorism, and French efforts to restore stability.  The program suffers, however, because the only original coverage in Africa came from Kenya and much of the commentary originated in Paris, Washington, and London. 

Political Situation in Sudan

Ulf Laessing, writing for Reuters in mid-November 2012, provided a solid update on the internal political situation in Sudan and recent negative developments in its relations with Germany and the United States. He said the Bashir government is increasingly concerned by the power of Salafi groups and that the biggest threat to Bashir is from his own party.

Click here to read the article.

China, Africa and the US

China and US Focus asked me to write a short piece titled "China, Africa and Implications for the United States." While I identify areas of competition between the US and China in Africa, I try to emphasize those areas where greater cooperation is called for, especially in improving health and developing agriculture.

Click here to read the commentary.