William Fawcett is a postgraduate studying Conflict, Security and Development MA. He is the postgraduate officer for IR Today and has a particular interest in humanitarian intervention, the UN Security Council, international diplomacy and the politics of Francophone Africa. Amid the degeneration of the security situation in northern and eastern areas of Mali, the forced dismissal and imprisoning of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta (IBK) on … Continue reading Assessing the impacts of the August coup d’état in Mali: under new and improved management?

Liena El-Lahawi is a second-year BA International Relations student at KCL and IR Today’s Sub-Saharan Africa Editor. Her latest article assesses Niger’s efforts to carve out a positive, rejuvenated national identity in the form of the Sahelian state’s new anthem, contrasting this with the profound fragility of the Nigerien state on the ground. With an upcoming wave of African nations celebrating 60 years of independence … Continue reading Niger’s Anthem: A Newfound Embrace of National Values?

Simon Ahrens is a third year International Relations student and a Staff Writer for International Relations Today. In 1972, Richard Hull, professor of African history, argued that with Chinese involvement, great Powers were once more carving up Africa. 320 new international embassies from 2010-2016, $150bn yearly Chinese investments, and 47 years later his analysis again rings true. Public and private initiatives seek to get their … Continue reading The Scramble For Africa 2.0: China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa