In 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa is a geopolitical hotspot. Russia expands influence through military support in Mali, Burkina Faso, and CAR, trading arms and security for resources, while fueling anti-Western sentiment. China drives economic dominance via Belt and Road infrastructure and trade deals, controlling key minerals, though debt risks linger. African nations, frustrated with Western policies, leverage Russian security and Chinese investment to boost trade, tech, and energy while safeguarding autonomy. With a young population and significant UN influence, Africa navigates global rivalries, poised to emerge as a major player.

France is losing influence in the Sahel (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad) due to anti-French sentiment over its colonial past and failed counterterrorism efforts like Operation Barkhane. Military coups have led to juntas expelling French troops and aligning with Russia and China. Regional demands for sovereignty, backed by protests, have pushed France out of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, while it shifts focus to economic ties with Anglophone African nations.

Britain's grand imperial legacy is unraveling, its once-ironclad sway over Commonwealth nations dissolving into whispers of the past, as allegiances falter and ties fray—yet Nigeria, a radiant bastion of loyalty, boldly defies the exodus, standing resolute as the empire's last unwavering stronghold in a world turning its back.

The power struggle between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar has driven South Sudan’s crisis since its 2011 independence. Kiir, a Dinka, and Machar, a Nuer, have fueled ethnic and political tensions. Their rivalry escalated into civil war in 2013 when Kiir sacked Machar as vice-president, sparking violence that killed 400,000 and displaced millions. A 2018 peace deal formed a unity government in 2020, but unimplemented provisions like army unification kept tensions high. In March 2025, Kiir ordered Machar’s arrest for alleged rebellion, nullifying the peace deal and risking renewed conflict. Ethnic divisions, economic collapse from a 2024 oil pipeline burst, and delayed elections worsen the crisis. Machar’s detention has displaced over 50,000, compounding South Sudan’s humanitarian disaster with famine and regional instability looming. The UN and regional powers urge dialogue, but ongoing mistrust threatens further violence.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis driven by escalating violence, particularly in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Since December 2024, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing over 7.3 million people internally, with 1 million seeking asylum abroad. The conflict, fueled by ethnic tensions, political instability, and competition over mineral resources like cobalt and coltan, has caused widespread human rights abuses, including sexual violence and indiscriminate shelling. Over 25 million people face food insecurity, and disease outbreaks like cholera and Mpox are worsening due to strained healthcare systems and poor camp conditions. Humanitarian access is limited, and regional mediation efforts have faltered, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

North Africa feels distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa due to the Sahara Desert’s geographic divide, shaping different climates and economies. Historically, North Africa integrated with Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, adopting Arab culture and language, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms evolved separately. Culturally, North Africa’s Arab-Islamic identity contrasts with Sub-Saharan Africa’s varied traditions and religions. Politically, North Africa aligns with the Arab world, while Sub-Saharan Africa focuses on pan-African ties. Colonial legacies further deepened these divides.

1. Universally Hated: Gaddafi had significant support in Libya despite opposition.

2. Poor Libya: Libya was wealthy with high GDP and social programs under Gaddafi.

3. Terrorist Mastermind: His role in attacks like Lockerbie was exaggerated; he funded more than planned.

4. Hoarded Wealth: Gaddafi invested in Libya, with debated personal wealth.

5. Internal Revolt: 2011 fall was driven by NATO, not just a local uprising.

On November 18, 1949, at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu, Nigeria, 21 striking coal miners and a bystander were killed, and 51 others injured by British colonial police led by Superintendent F.S. Philip. The miners, protesting poor working conditions, unpaid wages, and racial abuse under British management, occupied the mine to prevent a lockout. Tensions escalated when police attempted to remove explosives, leading to the shooting of unarmed workers. The massacre, known as the Iva Valley Shooting, sparked nationwide outrage, fueled the Zikist independence movement, and strengthened Nigeria’s push for independence.

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held a presidential election, the first since the 1983 military coup. Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in a vote deemed free and fair by observers. Despite Abiola’s apparent victory, military ruler Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, citing irregularities. This sparked protests, political unrest, and a return to military rule under Sani Abacha. The annulment remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, with June 12 later declared Democracy Day.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Nigerian_presidential_election)[](https://von.gov.ng/the-significance-of-june-12-1993-presidential-election-in-nigerias-political-history/)

Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military officer and dictator who ruled as Head of State from 1993 until his death in 1998. Known for his authoritarian regime, he suppressed opposition, controlled the media, and was accused of widespread human rights abuses and corruption, amassing significant wealth during his tenure. His sudden death led to Nigeria's transition to democracy.