This article examines the impact of climate change on Lake Chad from the perspective of the dominant narrative that holds that the lake has shrunk by more than 90% since 1960, with its attendant impact on livelihoods, conflict and forced migration. In the face of this disaster, this study asks whether there are no remedies. This article examines the efforts made by Lake Chad’s riparian states in addressing the problem through plans to resuscitate the Lake from rivers in the region. This venture, known as Inter-Basin Water Transfer, is argued to curtail water shortages in the Sahel Basin and reduce conflict, among other benefits. Yet, the inaction of the riparian states leaves a lot to be desired. This study contends that the lethargy of African governments in addressing issues of climate change is as damaging to human existence as the impact of climate change itself. Addressing Lake Chad’s issues, amid contending climate change narratives, boils down to the political will of the riparian and Lake Chad Basin governments/agencies. This study makes use of secondary data encompassing findings from earth and environmental sciences.
The main objective of this study is to investigate how internal factors shaped Ethiopia’s foreign policy decision to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. The study employs a qualitative case study design, drawing on semi-structured interviews, document analysis and analysis of government speeches and other political statements. Guided by diversionary theory and the rational actor model, the study evaluates competing explanations for the MoU, including economic and security considerations, historical memory and national role conception. The findings indicate that Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access reflects a long-standing strategic objective rooted in economic and security concerns, historical identity and the political elite’s conception of Ethiopia’s regional role. However, these factors alone do not fully explain the timing and political framing of the MoU. The analysis suggests that domestic political pressures, including armed conflict, economic hardship and declining political legitimacy, shaped the decision. The study concludes that the MoU is best understood as the interaction between enduring strategic interests and short-term domestic political dynamics. The study contributes to foreign policy analysis by demonstrating how strategic interests, identity-based narratives and domestic political considerations jointly shape foreign policy decisions in fragile political contexts.
This exploratory study investigates the experiences of migrant-owned small businesses in Sunnyside and Marabastad affected by xenophobic incidents. The research aims to understand the effects of xenophobic experiences on their business performance, social capital and perceptions regarding future operations in South Africa. Using responses from a sample of 91 migrant business owners, the findings reveal that they faced financial losses and operational disruptions. The migrants also noted limited support from local businesses, in contrast to an increase in solidarity within migrant communities. Most respondents expressed a preference for enhanced security and public awareness campaigns over financial assistance, suggesting a desire for social acceptance and an enabling business environment amid their vulnerability. The findings also underscore a disconnect between the needs of migrant business owners and state support, highlighting opportunities for targeted interventions to assist migrant-owned small businesses.
Terrorism remains a critical threat to Africa’s stability, with Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) emerging as a dominant force in Mali and the broader Sahel since its formation in 2017. Formed through the merger of multiple jihadist groups aligned with al-Qaeda, JNIM has expanded by exploiting Mali’s political fragility, weak governance, ethnic tensions and the withdrawal of international security forces. This expansion is facilitated by the group’s adaptive organisational structure, strategic local alliances and engagement in illicit economies. This study employs an integrative literature review to critically assess scholarly and policy-based evidence on the factors contributing to JNIM’s rise. Grounded in the state failure theory, the review explores how systemic failures—political instability, socio-economic marginalisation and security vacuums—have created fertile ground for insurgent entrenchment. By synthesising diverse sources, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of JNIM’s growth and resilience, highlighting the urgent need for holistic, context-sensitive counterterrorism strategies in Mali and across the Sahel.
