Stephanie Burchard
@smburchard.bsky.social
Covered in toddlers at the moment (probably), otherwise occupied by questions about elections, violence, security, WPS, and Africa. Adjunct prof at GWU.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
More details on the coup in Guinea-Bissau, mainly relying on the excellent reporting of AFP and Reuters reporters on the ground
Guinea-Bissau officers take ‘total control’ and close borders amid election chaos
Gunshots heard near state buildings as incumbent president and main rival claim victory in first round of elections
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 PM
More details on the coup in Guinea-Bissau, mainly relying on the excellent reporting of AFP and Reuters reporters on the ground
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
A military coup appears to have happened in Guinea-Bissau. The warning signs were there, leading up to Sunday's elections. @drpowell.bsky.social & I wrote about these warning signs last week over at @africa.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
Guinea-Bissau’s presidential poll has already failed the credibility test
What’s at stake in Guinea-Bissau’s election is a wider regional crisis in which incumbents erode legitimacy.
theconversation.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
A military coup appears to have happened in Guinea-Bissau. The warning signs were there, leading up to Sunday's elections. @drpowell.bsky.social & I wrote about these warning signs last week over at @africa.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Another coup in Guinea-Bissau (I couldn't find a complete list, but there've been several). This time, it looks like it was successful.
AFP reports soldiers said they were taking "total control" of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after elections
AFP reports soldiers said they were taking "total control" of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after elections
November 26, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Another coup in Guinea-Bissau (I couldn't find a complete list, but there've been several). This time, it looks like it was successful.
AFP reports soldiers said they were taking "total control" of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after elections
AFP reports soldiers said they were taking "total control" of the country, suspending its electoral process and closing its borders, three days after elections
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
The numbers vary from study to study but hundreds of thousands of people have died because of Elon Musk and Marco Rubio illegally disbanding USAID — a body count on par with the first eight years of the Syrian civil war — In just seven months. It’s mass death that is simply unfathomable in scale.
USAID shutdown has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The Trump administration’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition, accord...
hsph.harvard.edu
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The numbers vary from study to study but hundreds of thousands of people have died because of Elon Musk and Marco Rubio illegally disbanding USAID — a body count on par with the first eight years of the Syrian civil war — In just seven months. It’s mass death that is simply unfathomable in scale.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Reports of foreigners, including those from Africa, being lured to Russia under false pretenses and ending up working in drone factories or even worse, fighting on the front line, is nothing new. Been going on for more than a year. Research before going.
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
‘Pawns in Putin’s war game’: African women lured into drone factories
Russia has been accused of making false promises to recruit young women from across Africa to work in drone-assembling factories. The women were coerced into assembling Shahed-136 kamikaze drones in…
www.france24.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Reports of foreigners, including those from Africa, being lured to Russia under false pretenses and ending up working in drone factories or even worse, fighting on the front line, is nothing new. Been going on for more than a year. Research before going.
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
www.france24.com/en/europe/20...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed a school, killing two guards and abducting at least 26 students, just hours after soldiers who’d received intel left the premises. It’s part of a grim pattern: mass kidnappings have become a criminal business model.
The kids are not all right: Inside Nigeria’s security crisis
A decade on from Chibok more children are being kidnapped than ever before – except now it’s strictly business.
continent.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:09 AM
In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed a school, killing two guards and abducting at least 26 students, just hours after soldiers who’d received intel left the premises. It’s part of a grim pattern: mass kidnappings have become a criminal business model.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Al Shabaab poses a serious threat of taking Mogadishu, largely due to a breakdown in political cooperation between federal and state authorities.
To reverse this, fundamental political and security reforms are needed—as well as a reinvigorated peacekeeping force.
africacenter.org/pub...
To reverse this, fundamental political and security reforms are needed—as well as a reinvigorated peacekeeping force.
africacenter.org/pub...
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Al Shabaab poses a serious threat of taking Mogadishu, largely due to a breakdown in political cooperation between federal and state authorities.
To reverse this, fundamental political and security reforms are needed—as well as a reinvigorated peacekeeping force.
africacenter.org/pub...
To reverse this, fundamental political and security reforms are needed—as well as a reinvigorated peacekeeping force.
africacenter.org/pub...
What Next Following Tanzania’s “National Catastrophe”? africacenter.org/spotlight/wh...
What Next Following Tanzania’s “National Catastrophe”? – Africa Center
South Africa’s pivotal election is a reaffirmation of democratic principles, and South Africans’ renowned capacity for compromise.
africacenter.org
November 20, 2025 at 9:41 PM
What Next Following Tanzania’s “National Catastrophe”? africacenter.org/spotlight/wh...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
NEW COMMENTARY | South Africa’s G20 Juggling Act
The G20 summit had been billed as an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s claims to be a continental leader. Blistering U.S. criticism and geopolitical divisions have made for a diplomatic predicament.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/south...
The G20 summit had been billed as an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s claims to be a continental leader. Blistering U.S. criticism and geopolitical divisions have made for a diplomatic predicament.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/south...
South Africa’s G20 Juggling Act | International Crisis Group
The G20 summit in South Africa had been billed as an opportunity for the country to showcase its claim to be a continental leader. But blistering U.S. criticism of Pretoria and geopolitical divisions ...
www.crisisgroup.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
NEW COMMENTARY | South Africa’s G20 Juggling Act
The G20 summit had been billed as an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s claims to be a continental leader. Blistering U.S. criticism and geopolitical divisions have made for a diplomatic predicament.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/south...
The G20 summit had been billed as an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s claims to be a continental leader. Blistering U.S. criticism and geopolitical divisions have made for a diplomatic predicament.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/south...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
NEW REPORT | Central African Republic: Reining in the Zandé Militia
The integration of Zandé militiamen into the army has exacerbated instability. To ease tensions, Bangui should launch an intercommunal dialogue and negotiate with the militia.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/centr...
The integration of Zandé militiamen into the army has exacerbated instability. To ease tensions, Bangui should launch an intercommunal dialogue and negotiate with the militia.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/centr...
November 20, 2025 at 3:36 PM
NEW REPORT | Central African Republic: Reining in the Zandé Militia
The integration of Zandé militiamen into the army has exacerbated instability. To ease tensions, Bangui should launch an intercommunal dialogue and negotiate with the militia.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/centr...
The integration of Zandé militiamen into the army has exacerbated instability. To ease tensions, Bangui should launch an intercommunal dialogue and negotiate with the militia.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/centr...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga helped moved Kenya from dictatorship to fledgling democracy in part by creating an incentive structure for the political elite to sustain a new system. @hollybfletcher.bsky.social writes that his passing puts the nation at the crossroads of possibility and risk.
After Odinga, Kenya at a Crossroads
The former prime minister’s passing serves as a fitting end to a monumental chapter in Kenya’s development—but what comes next?
www.lawfaremedia.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga helped moved Kenya from dictatorship to fledgling democracy in part by creating an incentive structure for the political elite to sustain a new system. @hollybfletcher.bsky.social writes that his passing puts the nation at the crossroads of possibility and risk.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
In Tanzania, hundreds of people were killed last month as security forces crushed post-election protests.
The scale of the unrest, and the government’s crackdown, mark a critical turning point for the country.
The scale of the unrest, and the government’s crackdown, mark a critical turning point for the country.
A Brutal Post-Election Crackdown in Tanzania Leaves Lasting Scars
After hundreds of people were reported killed by security forces, experts say the country will never be the same.
www.worldpoliticsreview.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
In Tanzania, hundreds of people were killed last month as security forces crushed post-election protests.
The scale of the unrest, and the government’s crackdown, mark a critical turning point for the country.
The scale of the unrest, and the government’s crackdown, mark a critical turning point for the country.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
The JNIM coalition now exerts much more influence and control over territory in Mali than at any other previous time during the 13-year insurgency.
Our spotlight looks at why, and how Mali got here:
Our spotlight looks at why, and how Mali got here:
JNIM Attacks in Western Mali Reshape Sahel Conflict – Africa Center
Recent JNIM attacks in western Mali are targeting the economic, security, and political vulnerabilities of the military junta in Bamako.
africacenter.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
The JNIM coalition now exerts much more influence and control over territory in Mali than at any other previous time during the 13-year insurgency.
Our spotlight looks at why, and how Mali got here:
Our spotlight looks at why, and how Mali got here:
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
For two and half decades, Afrobarometer has been at the forefront of amplifying citizen voices in policymaking on the African continent.
We need your support to continue this vital work.
Click here to donate: bit.ly/47oX9qO
#VoicesAfrica #SupportOurWork
We need your support to continue this vital work.
Click here to donate: bit.ly/47oX9qO
#VoicesAfrica #SupportOurWork
November 17, 2025 at 8:19 AM
For two and half decades, Afrobarometer has been at the forefront of amplifying citizen voices in policymaking on the African continent.
We need your support to continue this vital work.
Click here to donate: bit.ly/47oX9qO
#VoicesAfrica #SupportOurWork
We need your support to continue this vital work.
Click here to donate: bit.ly/47oX9qO
#VoicesAfrica #SupportOurWork
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema came under attack on Saturday when angry residents of Chingola pelted his podium with stones. The president was in the mining town in the Copperbelt Province for what was meant to be a surprise solidarity visit.
Rocks, rage rain on Hichilema’s surprise parade
Sympathy visit goes sideways as Chingola flips HH’s script.
continent.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema came under attack on Saturday when angry residents of Chingola pelted his podium with stones. The president was in the mining town in the Copperbelt Province for what was meant to be a surprise solidarity visit.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
💰 Kenya’s infrastructure deals: Lessons from a decade of debt 🧧
What can we learn from the evolution of Kenya's debt management efforts, and what does it mean for the country's economic future?
💵 💴 💶
nation.africa/kenya/weekly...
What can we learn from the evolution of Kenya's debt management efforts, and what does it mean for the country's economic future?
💵 💴 💶
nation.africa/kenya/weekly...
Kenya’s infrastructure deals: Lessons from a decade of debt
After years of easy credit and ambitious projects, Kenya’s debt has reached dangerous levels.
nation.africa
November 17, 2025 at 9:25 AM
💰 Kenya’s infrastructure deals: Lessons from a decade of debt 🧧
What can we learn from the evolution of Kenya's debt management efforts, and what does it mean for the country's economic future?
💵 💴 💶
nation.africa/kenya/weekly...
What can we learn from the evolution of Kenya's debt management efforts, and what does it mean for the country's economic future?
💵 💴 💶
nation.africa/kenya/weekly...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
As gold prices skyrocket, Chinese and western companies are working side by side to exploit a region ravaged by civil war
Welcome to the illegal gold rush tearing Ethiopia apart
📸 Erberto Zani via Alamy
Welcome to the illegal gold rush tearing Ethiopia apart
📸 Erberto Zani via Alamy
November 13, 2025 at 10:50 AM
As gold prices skyrocket, Chinese and western companies are working side by side to exploit a region ravaged by civil war
Welcome to the illegal gold rush tearing Ethiopia apart
📸 Erberto Zani via Alamy
Welcome to the illegal gold rush tearing Ethiopia apart
📸 Erberto Zani via Alamy
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Last month, El Fasher, in Sudan’s Darfur region, fell to rebel forces. “The world hasn’t caught up to what a big deal El Fasher is,” a humanitarian researcher at Yale said. “We are talking tens upon tens of thousands of potential dead in five days.” https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/ePchw0
Rebels Post Videos of Mass Killings in Darfur as the World Watches
After the fall of El Fasher to the R.S.F., observers fear for the next target in the war.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 13, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Last month, El Fasher, in Sudan’s Darfur region, fell to rebel forces. “The world hasn’t caught up to what a big deal El Fasher is,” a humanitarian researcher at Yale said. “We are talking tens upon tens of thousands of potential dead in five days.” https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/ePchw0
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
Prominent Afrikaners refuse to be 'pawns,' and hit back at Trump's claims about South Africa
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
n.pr
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
Africa’s drone wars are growing – but they rarely deliver victory
Brendon J. Cannon on The Conversation
theconversation.com/africas-dron...
Brendon J. Cannon on The Conversation
theconversation.com/africas-dron...
Africa’s drone wars are growing – but they rarely deliver victory
Armed drones are increasingly being seen as a solution to security challenges in African conflicts.
theconversation.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Africa’s drone wars are growing – but they rarely deliver victory
Brendon J. Cannon on The Conversation
theconversation.com/africas-dron...
Brendon J. Cannon on The Conversation
theconversation.com/africas-dron...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
“We fought as fighters, not as women”: women’s participation in ethnonational armed groups in #Ethiopia
By Hilina Berhanu Degefa
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
By Hilina Berhanu Degefa
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
"We fought as fighters, not as women": women's participation in ethnonational armed groups in Ethiopia - XCEPT
Ethnonational mobilisations — characterised by a strong sense of national and political identification, whether organised along ethnic, religious, or regional political identifications — tend to…
www.xcept-research.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:15 PM
“We fought as fighters, not as women”: women’s participation in ethnonational armed groups in #Ethiopia
By Hilina Berhanu Degefa
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
By Hilina Berhanu Degefa
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
“One of those familiar said AFRICOM also communicated that striking a region with limited U.S. presence and intelligence was unlikely to make a difference.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Trump’s ‘guns-a-blazing’ threat to Nigeria shocked key players, aides
President Trump’s threat to go “guns-a-blazing” into Nigeria concerned U.S. military officials in Africa and surprised even those who had been pushing the issue.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:05 PM
“One of those familiar said AFRICOM also communicated that striking a region with limited U.S. presence and intelligence was unlikely to make a difference.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 9:23 AM
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
Huge story in TZ right now that isn't getting nearly enough attention. Thousand(s?) dead and hundreds arrested after a "stunning" 98% victory for the incumbent.
All Protocol Observed
Welcome to Issue 219 of The Continent
Protests, an internet blackout, and deadly force marked Tanzania’s Election Day. Once online again, 37 readers shared what they witnessed.
Read their stories: bit.ly/219_TC
Welcome to Issue 219 of The Continent
Protests, an internet blackout, and deadly force marked Tanzania’s Election Day. Once online again, 37 readers shared what they witnessed.
Read their stories: bit.ly/219_TC
November 7, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Huge story in TZ right now that isn't getting nearly enough attention. Thousand(s?) dead and hundreds arrested after a "stunning" 98% victory for the incumbent.
Reposted by Stephanie Burchard
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (an independent nonprofit, not the statutory body) now estimates that up to 3,000 people might have been killed by the police and armed forces in post election violence in Tanzania.
The situation in Tanzania is worse than we realised. Some journalists have managed to smuggle information out of the country. Current death toll is close to 1,000 by some reports. A harshly enforced curfew is in place.
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (an independent nonprofit, not the statutory body) now estimates that up to 3,000 people might have been killed by the police and armed forces in post election violence in Tanzania.