Into Africa

African militaries are working with the U.S., China, Russia, and others in order to address their security concerns. In an increasingly crowded space, are Africans looking for a partner of choice or a choice of partners? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Katie Bo Williams (Defense One), Ryan Cummings (Signal Risk) and Jonah Victor (Author) to discuss African views on U.S. and foreign security assistance. Guests also review Malian President Keita’s negotiations with extremist leaders and the wave of vigilante violence in Zambia.Background Reading African Security: An Introduction - Jonah Victor and John Siko Speaking with Vampires: Rumor and History in Colonial Africa - Luise White Social media claims about Zambia gas attacks linked to riots, lynchings - AFP

What is the role of the courts in ensuring that elections are free and fair? Are African courts becoming more independent? In our fifth episode with African Arguments, Jimmy Kainja (academic), Marti Flacks (former NSC Director for Africa), and Carl LeVan (American University), join Judd Devermont to explore recent developments in how elections are conducted. Guests also discuss the nullification of election results in Malawi and Kenya, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s fourth term and more. Background Reading Malawi court orders fresh elections. What now? by African Arguments The Game Has Changed: Rethinking the U.S. Role in Supporting Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa by Judd Devermont The opposition playbook for discrediting elections and its risks by African Arguments How to Rig an Election by Nic Cheeseman

Africa plays a major role in world affairs and will gain in prominence in the coming decades. How should the U.S. support African studies programs to develop the next generation of Africa experts? This special episode was recorded live at The Elliott School of International Affairs. Judd Devermont is joined by Ambassador Reuben Brigety II (The Elliot School); Jennifer Cooke (The Elliot School’s Institute for African Studies) and Professor Mohammed Camara (Howard University) to discuss the future of African studies. Also, Trump’s travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan, Eritrea, and Tanzania and President Ramaphosa’s new role as African Union Chair.Background Reading: Trump trashes Nigeria and bans its immigrants. Nigerians love him for it. – Adaobi Nwaubani, The Washington Post

How have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative and the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.Background Reading: Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies by Ken Opalo Cameroon Must Make Concessions to End the Anglophone Crisis by Ken Opalo and Claire Hazbun Congressional Letter to His Excellency Paul Biya What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020

Most migrants stay in Africa, settling in a neighboring country rather than traveling to Europe. How is this shaping demographic and urbanization trends in Africa? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Abdi Nor Iftin (Author), Erol Yayboke (CSIS), and Beza Tesfaye (Mercy Corps) to discuss Abdi’s book ‘Call Me American: A Memoir.’ Also on this episode; guests discuss South Sudan’s fragile peace deal and humanitarian challenges, plus the threat of Al Shabaab in Somalia. Background Reading Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin A Short Window to Resuscitate South Sudan’s Ailing Peace Deal by Crisis Group Trends in Forced Migration Report by Erol Yayboke Critical Choices Report by Mercy Corps

Local LGBT rights advocacy groups continue to form across the African continent. How can international advocates and policymakers support sexual minorities without making them more vulnerable to attacks? Robbie Corey-Boulet (AFP), Neela Ghoshal (Human Rights Watch), and Yoseph Badwaza (Freedom House) join host Judd Devermont to discuss Robbie’s new book, Love Falls on Us. Guests also assess Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Nobel Peace Prize win and current threats to President Déby’s regime in Chad. Background reading:Love Falls On Us: A Story of American Ideas and African LGBT Lives by Robbie Corey-Boulet.Briefing: Problems multiply in Déby’s Chad by Philip Kleinfield. 

African prints are wrapped up in complicated issues around gender, tradition, and commerce. How do these dynamics affect their starring role in the creative economy? In our fourth episode with African Arguments, host Judd Devermont is joined by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council); Topaz Mukulu (CSIS); and Idza Luhumyo (writer) to discuss the history and future of the East African leso. Guests also discuss Angola's new opposition leader and the impact of Chinese streaming service, Boomplay.

In this special anniversary episode, Ugandan musician and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (aka. Bobi Wine), joins host Judd Devermont, Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (OkayAfrica) in studio to discuss the challenges he faces in the lead up to Uganda’s 2021 presidential elections. Plus, guests delve into Somalia’s domestic politics and examine why Nigeria’s first Oscar submission, Lionheart, was disqualified.

Season 2 of Into Africa starts next week. Host Judd Devermont unveils some of the exciting new features in store for the next season. As our audience grows, so do our ideas and this will be reflected in the new topics, high-profile guests, and dynamic formats we plan to showcase.What to expect: Special interviews with prominent African leaders, live streamed in-studio shows, off-site live recordings, and more!

With the conclusion of the first-ever Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, how should the U.S. respond to Russia’s return to Africa? What are Putin’s goals for the region? Host Judd Devermont talks Russian engagement with Simon Allison (Mail & Guardian), Andrea Kendall-Taylor (Center for a New American Security) and Karen Monaghan (retired CIA officer). Guests also discuss the latest on CAR’s conflict and Guinea-Bissau’s pivotal upcoming presidential elections.Background reading:Russian Theater: How to Respond to Moscow’s Return to the African Stage - Commentary by Judd Devermont