Tag: Africa

AU-EU Relations: Prospects and challenges for a strategic partnership for development

Nibwene MwakibingaLeave a comment

Africa-EU relations have been formalised since the early post-independence period through various agreements between the European Union (and its predecessor, the European Economic Community) and African countries. These include the Lomé Convention (1975-2000), the Cotonou Agreement (2000-2020) and the most recent Samoa Agreement, which has been in effect since 2023. The earlier agreements mainly covered… Continue reading AU-EU Relations: Prospects and challenges for a strategic partnership for development

Natural Resources – Curse or Blessing?

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Are Natural Resources a Curse or Blessing for Developing Countries in Africa? A recurring theme when it comes to natural resources is their perception as curse or blessing for the countries that possess them. While some scholars argue that the discovery of natural resources is one of the key drivers of corruption and the weakening… Continue reading Natural Resources – Curse or Blessing?

Why does ECOWAS succeed in resolving civil conflicts in Liberia but lacks effective measures in fighting terrorism in Mali?

Fatou Njie

The following text is an excerpt from the author's master's thesis, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of International Affairs at the Hertie School, Berlin. Executive Summary This research undertook the challenge of understanding how the leadership style of ECOWAS influences the results of its intervention; using the case study of… Continue reading Why does ECOWAS succeed in resolving civil conflicts in Liberia but lacks effective measures in fighting terrorism in Mali?

Africa-China Relations: criticism & motivations

Nibwene Mwakibinga

In recent years, China has been a major topic in international news and political discussions in Western countries. Western countries or simply “the West” in this context refers to the United States, the EU and its Member States, the United Kingdom, and their allies, including non-EU Western European countries, Canada, and to a lesser degree… Continue reading Africa-China Relations: criticism & motivations

The 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election

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Nigeria recently went through what has been labeled as the most competitive election since the end of military rule in 1999. Nigeria’s two party political system was shaken with significant competition coming from a “young” third party candidate Peter Gregory Obi, who surprised by winning the capital Abuja and the commercial powerhouse Lagos. The ruling… Continue reading The 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election

A brief critique of BMZs new Africa Strategy

Konstantin Issel

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) launched its new Africa Strategy “Shaping the Future with Africa” in late January 2023. Apart from the flagship Feminist Development Policy it mostly lists ongoing activities and only vaguely hints at new intentions. How does the BMZ view Africa? The ministry recognises the continent as… Continue reading A brief critique of BMZs new Africa Strategy