Gold Wars, Russia’s Africa Corps… and the biggest mass migration of the 21st Century
Apr 24, 2024
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The podcast discusses the wave of coups in Central Africa, the rise of military strongmen, and the exploitation of the region's resources by Russia's Africa Corps and Gulf States. It explores the challenges facing democracy in Africa, the involvement of foreign powers in conflicts, and the impact on youth dissatisfaction with democratic systems. The conversation delves into the need for institutional reforms and the imperative of liberal democracy in Africa.
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Quick takeaways
The Africa Corps, a wing of Russia's Wagner paramilitaries, competes with Gulf States for power in Africa, intensifying conflicts.
Democracy in Africa falters due to youth disillusionment, elite interests, paving the way for authoritarian rule and external interference.
Deep dives
Catastrophic Situation in Sudan
The podcast highlights the dire situation in Sudan, where a military coup and subsequent violent conflicts have led to the displacement of millions. The country faces a civil war with escalating violence and instability. External interference from various nations like Russia and the UAE has further complicated the crisis, turning it into a proxy war.
Demise of Democracy in the Region
The episode discusses the decline of democracy in Central Africa following a series of military coups in nations like Sudan, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Young people's disillusionment with the democratic process due to lack of tangible benefits and elite self-interest has paved the way for authoritarian rule and external interventions.
Foreign Interference and Power Struggles
Foreign interference in the region, including support from powers like Russia, UAE, and Iran, has fueled the ongoing conflicts. Political power struggles between military leaders and paramilitary forces have intensified, with complex dynamics and diverse foreign influences at play.
Challenges in Strengthening Democracy and State Institutions
The challenges in strengthening democracy in African countries lie in building robust state institutions and nurturing a democratic culture over time. The episode emphasizes the importance of bolstering liberal democracy to counter authoritarian influences and maintain stability in the region amid shifting global power dynamics.
The world has responded with stunning cynicism to the wave of coups d’etat across Central Africa – either ignoring the violence, suffering and the rise of military strongmen, or exploiting it for their own ends.
From Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso to the bloody civil war and mass displacement in Sudan, Oz Katerji finds that the Sahel region isn’t only threatened by war, drought and Islamist terror. The “Africa Corps” wing of Russia’s Wagner paramilitaries are vying with the Gulf States for power, influence and Africa’s resources. Where did it go wrong for democracy in Africa – and is there any way to fix this delicate region?
With the Sudanese journalist Dallia Abdelmoniemand Dr Ebenezer Obadare, Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC.
Written and presented by Oz Katerji. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production