Old Leaders in a New Africa

The unexpected death ahead of the October vote risks dashing hopes for the country's first peaceful democratic transition of power by reigniting long-held political feuds.

South Africa will likely miss its recently adjusted budget targets as the country’s escalating COVID-19 outbreak delays much-needed austerity measures, leaving its economy in shambles for at least another five years.

The Tigray government's recent move to follow through with federally postponed elections could lead to renewed tensions between Addis Ababa and the country's ethnic opposition groups.

If the country's October 2020 presidential election opens old wounds, it could usher in instability that militants would be eager to exploit.

State utilities giant Eskom has demanded that mining companies reduce their electricity consumption as part of its biggest-ever forced power cuts, bringing South Africa's lucrative platinum, gold and diamond operations into a screeching halt.

With an increasingly cash-strapped and hungry citizenry, the survival of Zimbabwe's current government will hinge heavily on keeping its security forces paid and happy. Though doing so will be no easy feat given the country's depleted reserves.

For the West African country's aging president, pulling off his third-term dream will depend on the size and fervor of opposition efforts -- and whether his Russian allies help counter them.

While the Africa summit in Sochi could yield more pragmatic arms and infrastructure agreements, Moscow's tight budget will limit its ability to woo African countries with money alone.

Mounting evidence of foul play in the country's Oct. 15 election could be the straw that finally breaks Maputo's back by stoking security threats and alienating the country's fastest-growing electorate.