Africa Trends - MP-IDSA

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 Africa’s development. As he states in his introduction, Africa ‘has to be able to conscript both China and Japan’ in service of its developmental goals (p. 5). He argues that ‘Africa can partner with China and learn from Japan’ while being cognisant of the diversity of developmental paths in East and Southeast Asia.

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 indiscriminate and ethnically targeted violence, particularly against the Fulani, has fuelled al-Qaeda’s Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) expansion. Under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) have become central to counterterrorism efforts, yet their rapid expansion has coincided with escalating atrocities. The March 2025 “Solenzo massacre” triggered JNIM’s “revenge” campaign, showcasing the group’s capacity to attack and temporarily occupy urban centres. Traoré’s domestically focused but repressive strategy has deepened insecurity, enabling JNIM to advance its governance ambitions. By analysing the role of persecuted communities, militia centrality, and state violence, this study argues that Burkina Faso’s counterproductive tactics have entrenched insurgency and offer critical lessons for regional and international actors confronting extremism in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

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 South Sudan through investments in the region’s hydrocarbon sector since 2003 giving economic support to the new nation. India’s support to South Sudan remained primarily in the areas of security, bilateral trade and capacity building. However, it is pertinent that the strategic cooperation between India and South Sudan should be derived by the objectives of the India’s foreign policy towards Africa and South Sudan’s development priorities considering the regional challenges like South Sudan’s civil war from 2013 to 2018 and ongoing tribal skirmishes till today. After the civil war ended South Sudan adopted Revised – National Development Strategy (R-NDS) 2021 - 2024 with focus on stabilizing economy and sustainable development. To ascertain the level of cooperation achieved between the two nations an analyses of cooperation achieved from 2005 till 2024 has been drawn. Also, India’s interest, South Sudan’s development priorities and regional challenges have been ascertained for identifying the emerging opportunities to secure India’s interest in the region and realigning the strategic cooperation framework.

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 a significant vacuum in the continent’s energy diplomacy. This retreat coincides with Africa’s acute energy deficit, where over 600 million people lack electricity access, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Russia has capitalised on this gap through its state-owned Rosatom corporation, aggressively expanding nuclear energy partnerships across over 20 African countries. Beyond addressing energy shortages, Russia’s nuclear diplomacy serves as a geopolitical tool to deepen influence, foster long-term dependencies, and secure strategic alliances. While Russia offers comprehensive nuclear infrastructure solutions backed by flexible financing and political support, challenges remain, including financing constraints, institutional capacity gaps, and safety concerns. Despite symbolic agreements and ambitious projects, the long-term success of Russia’s nuclear ambitions in Africa depends on genuine local engagement, transparency, and alignment with the continent’s developmental priorities amid growing competition from China and Western actors.

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 region presents a strategic opportunity for India to expand its defence diplomacy and strengthen ties with the African continent. This article explores how India aligns with North African countries' defence modernisation goals and industrial cooperation efforts. Given North Africa's position as a gateway to Europe and Africa, fostering strong economic and defence ties could enhance India's regional influence through arms trade, industry partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.