Future Reports

In  a bold political manoeuvre, President Bola Tinubu recently reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing five ministers, reassigning ten, and nominating seven new candidates for Senate approval. While the presidency asserts that this move aims to boost “efficiency,” the reshuffle has deeper implications, reflecting Tinubu’s strategies to address political challenges, economic strain, and the need for regional inclusivity. With an election on the horizon in 2027, this reshuffle is as much a matter of governance as it is a strategic consolidation of power. This reshuffle reflects Tinubu's awareness of Nigeria's volatile political landscape and his attempt to shore up his position within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources from the APC indicate that internal dissatisfaction has grown over the government’s economic performance and delayed reforms. Tinubu’s recent moves appear tailored to address these concerns, strengthening support from key party factions that are crucial...

The recent summit between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt has brought attention to a new alliance forming in the Horn of Africa and its surrounding regions. This collaboration comes at a time of growing tensions and shifting allegiances, particularly as all three nations being Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt have strained relations with their larger neighbour, Ethiopia. Although the leaders of these nations have downplayed the idea that this partnership specifically targets Ethiopia, the circumstances surrounding the alliance suggest otherwise, pointing to broader geopolitical concerns. Held in the Eritrean capital of Asmara, the summit marked the first visit by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to the country, where he met with his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afwerki and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. While the official statement emphasised cooperation, security, and respect for sovereignty, analysts and observers have noted the deeper motivations behind the partnership. Th...

  In a landmark event, the Kenyan National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of corruption and divisive ethnic politics. The historic impeachment marks the first time a sitting vice president has faced such a fate in the country, raising serious questions about the future of Kenyan politics. Gachagua, who has denied all charges, faces a crucial decision by the Senate on whether his removal will be finalised. The motion to impeach Gachagua, tabled by Mwengi Mutuse, was supported by 281 MPs, far exceeding the constitutional requirement of 117 MPs. A total of 44 MPs opposed the motion, and one abstained. The 11-count charge against Gachagua centered around accusations of corruption and acquiring properties worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million). He is also accused of using his wealth and political influence on fuelling ethnically divisive politics, especially in his support of protests in June 2024 against th...

The longstanding debate over Africa’s representation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took centre stage again during the latest UN General Assembly (UNGA) session. African leaders echoed a united call for reforms that would allow Africa a permanent seat at the UNSC. This call is rooted in a desire for greater inclusion and representation in global decision-making, particularly regarding issues affecting peace, security, and development. Yet, the road to achieving this is complex and fraught with challenges. The crux of the African leaders' argument is that the UNSC, established in 1945, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the world. African nations, many of which were under colonial rule at the time of the UNSC's formation, are now politically independent but still largely excluded from the Council's decision-making processes. This exclusion has had profound consequences. Africa, a continent often grappling with conflict and poverty, finds itself u...

  Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria, is grappling with a catastrophic flood, the worst the city has seen in over 30 years. Triggered by the overflow and collapse of the Alau Dam, the disaster has left over a million people displaced, submerged entire communities, and killed at least 30 individuals. While heavy rainfall exacerbated by climate change played a role, the tragedy also shines a harsh light on systemic failures in governance, infrastructure, and preparedness. The immediate cause of the flood was the collapse of a spillway at the Alau Dam, which was overwhelmed by excessive rainfall. This rainfall swelled rivers such as the Ngaddabul, which feeds into the dam. The dam, constructed in the 1980s to regulate water flow, provide irrigation, and mitigate flooding, ultimately failed to handle the unusually high-water levels this year. The bursting of the dam led to flash floods that inundated about 40% of Maiduguri. However, blaming this disaster sol...

  Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken a bold and controversial step by dissolving the country's opposition-led parliament, just six months after assuming office. This move is seen as a strategic effort to pave the way for snap legislative elections, scheduled for November 17. Faye, elected on an anti-establishment platform, framed the dissolution as necessary to advance the "systemic transformation" he promised during his campaign. While the decision may allow him to push forward with his ambitious reform agenda, it has also sparked significant debate about its legality, implications, and timing. Faye's rise to power was fuelled by widespread frustration, particularly among Senegalese youth, over the country's political and economic direction. His election victory represented a strong desire for change, with promises to reduce corruption, secure a larger share of the country's natural resources, and implement broad institutional reforms. Yet...

The village of Mafa, in Yobe State, once again found itself the target of a brutal Boko Haram attack. On September 1, 2024, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) descended on the village, killing more than 170 people, according to local reports. Despite previous threats, government assurances led villagers to return to their homes . In the aftermath of the attack, questions have arisen about whether Nigerians and their leaders have become desensitized to these tragic events. Mafa, like many communities in north-eastern Nigeria, has long been a battleground in the fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups. In late July, after receiving threats from ISWAP, the village was evacuated. Residents fled to nearby Babban Gida, hoping to escape the violence that has plagued the region for over a decade. However, after receiving reassurances from local officials that the area was safe, most of Mafa's residents returned—only to be met with devastating consequenc...