The Wilson Center Africa Program's special edition of 'Africa: Year in Review 2020' reflects on significant events in Africa and U.S.-Africa relations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, protests, youth activism, Niger's peaceful power transfer, Mali's military coup, the role of sovereign wealth funds in sustainable development, and the use of African knowledge and traditional medicine in health care.

The discussion focuses on the ongoing war in Sudan, highlighting recent battlefield developments, the humanitarian crisis with millions displaced, and the involvement of external powers like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. The Sudanese Armed Forces have made gains against the Rapid Support Forces, but internal dynamics and reliance on Islamist brigades complicate the situation. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or a post-war transition to civilian rule face significant challenges.

Alan Boswell speaks with Alsanosi Adam from Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms about the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by nearly a year of war. They discuss the dire living conditions, challenges in accessing food and medicine, and the critical role of grassroots networks in providing aid. The conversation highlights the looming famine and the importance of maintaining aid access to prevent further deterioration of the crisis. The discussion also touches on the financial transparency of these networks and their potential role in future peace processes.

A possible port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland has significant implications for Somalia, potentially escalating regional tensions. The Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding prompts Hargeisa's motivations and Mogadishu's response, with Somalia's relations with Ethiopia possibly deteriorating, affecting the offensive against Al Shabaab and regional stability. Somalia's diplomatic efforts to oppose the deal and the potential for Ethiopia to seek greater sea access, benefiting both Somalia and Somaliland, are also discussed.

Ethiopia is actively seeking its own seaport, highlighted by a recent controversial deal with Somaliland, which has sparked regional tensions, particularly with Somalia. The discussion also covers Ethiopia's internal crises under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the involvement of external actors like Gulf states. The analysis includes insights from Ethiopia expert Christopher Clapham and Alan Boswell, Project Director for the Horn of Africa.

The article discusses the emergence of innovation precincts that integrate health, education, science, and research to drive economic growth, community development, and sustainable job creation. Highlighting projects like the Westmead Hospital Precinct Redevelopment and the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, research organizations, and corporate partners. These precincts are designed to foster a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy in Australia. The article also references international examples of successful innovation precincts, underscoring the global trend towards creating dynamic ecosystems that support discovery and development.

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has faced relentless conflict since its independence, primarily due to the fallout between President Salva Kiir and Vice President-turned-rebel Riek Machar. The civil war from 2013 to 2018 resulted in up to 400,000 deaths and displaced 4 million people. Despite a fragile 2018 peace deal, the risk of renewed conflict remains high due to ongoing insurgencies, localized violence, and ethno-political tensions. The upcoming presidential election, likely to be delayed, could reignite these tensions. Long-term stability requires a fundamental reset of South Sudan's political system, which currently exacerbates elite tensions.

Sudan's resistance committees, which played a crucial role in the 2019 revolution and subsequent resistance to military rule, are now facing significant challenges due to the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. Many members have fled, while those remaining are dealing with dangers from the conflict and a dire humanitarian situation. The committees are striving to provide essential services and forge a political roadmap amidst the chaos. The discussion also covers their potential role in future peace talks and the transformation into humanitarian first responders.

Almost three months into the war in Sudan, the conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army shows no signs of abating, with Khartoum as the epicenter and West Darfur experiencing a resurgence in ethnic violence. Mediation efforts by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and African leaders have made little progress. The discussion highlights the dire situation in Darfur, the battlefield dynamics in Khartoum, and the potential consequences of a prolonged war.

Steve Seekings has been appointed as the new Regional Manager for Alan Boswell Group's Peterborough and Boston branches. With over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, including roles at Marsh and Aon, Seekings joins from his previous position as Managing Director at Saffron Insurance. Alan Boswell Group, which recently won Insurance Broker of the Year and announced several acquisitions, now has over 400 staff and eight offices. The Peterborough office is celebrating its tenth year of providing insurance and risk management advice.

Texas Republican Tony Gonzales retracted his claim that Uvalde gunman Salvador Ramos was arrested in 2018 for a school shooting plot. Uvalde police denied Ramos was involved in the 2018 incident where two teens were arrested for planning a school shooting. Law enforcement and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have not commented on the arrest. Questions are raised about how Ramos, who had a difficult relationship with his mother, legally purchased two AR-15s and ammunition days before the shooting. There is also criticism of the police response to the shooting, with officers waiting over an hour for SWAT backup while Ramos was in a classroom with the victims.

Experts warn that Sudan is on the brink of a prolonged civil war, with ongoing clashes throughout the country. The conflict has been anticipated for a long time, and the article delves into the underlying causes and the roles played by various international actors.

Germans Mareike Röwekamp and Horst Schauer, who intended to traverse Africa, are now stranded in Khartoum amid escalating conflicts. They share their experiences of the clashes, hoping for a swift resolution.

Somali government forces, backed by local clans, have made significant gains against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. The offensive, initiated by local clans, has seen government troops advance, but consolidating these gains and fulfilling promises to local communities remains challenging. The humanitarian situation is dire, with Somalia nearing famine due to a fifth failed rainy season. The discussion also covers the government's strategy involving local militias, Al-Shabaab's response, and the status of federal-regional government reconciliation efforts amid upcoming political issues.

South Sudan, once a symbol of hope, marks its tenth anniversary in a state of failure, with a history of civil war causing massive death and displacement. The 2018 peace deal has done little to alleviate suffering, and a new insurgency is growing. The country's centralized political system and ethnic divisions have exacerbated the situation. The U.S. and other Western donors face a dilemma as they criticize South Sudanese leaders for corruption while providing essential aid. To avoid a return to full-scale war, South Sudan needs a political pact for a consensual governance form, possibly through decentralization. Upcoming elections risk reigniting conflict, and international actors should encourage a pre-election power-sharing agreement. A transparent constitutional review process and demands for public finance transparency, particularly in the oil industry, are also crucial. Despite the challenges, there is a path toward a more peaceful future for South Sudan.

South Sudan's peace process remains fragile, with the cease-fire between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar showing limited progress. The agreement, which lacks a credible guarantor and excludes other armed groups, has not addressed the deeper roots of the conflict. Both leaders have strategic reasons to delay implementation, with Kiir benefiting from the status quo and Machar seeking to rebuild his forces. External pressure from African nations, the United States, and Europe could influence the leaders, but without significant advances in demobilization and integration of armed forces, the risk of renewed violence persists. The rainy season offers a temporary reprieve from fighting, but long-term peace remains uncertain.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has escalated rhetoric against South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, expressing a loss of trust in his government. Despite this, the international community continues to support a failed power-sharing agreement. South Sudan's political landscape is fragmented, with internal conflicts within both the government and rebel groups. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development's peace accord has failed, and the US is criticized for lacking a clear policy and continuing previous failed interventions. The article suggests that South Sudanese proposals for decentralized governance should be considered, criticizing the international community for perpetuating the conflict.

Kenya deported South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar’s spokesman James Gatdet to the South Sudanese government, sparking condemnation from international organizations. The deportation, perceived as politically motivated due to Kenya's election season, highlights the transactional and brutal nature of East African politics. Kenyan politician Mr. Wanjohi, a supporter of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, played a significant role in the deportation, reflecting the complex political alliances and the influence of foreign interests in regional politics. The incident has led to increased distrust and fear among South Sudanese opposition officials in Kenya.

The article critically examines the failed peace process in South Sudan, highlighting the flawed structure of the accord and the rushed implementation that led to renewed violence. It discusses the roles of key figures like Riek Machar and Salva Kiir, and criticizes the international and regional mediators for their ineffective strategies. The analysis underscores the dangers of illusory peace deals and the complexities of South Sudan's political landscape.

The article discusses the U.S. bipartisan support for the independence of South Sudan and the subsequent disillusionment with the new nation's progress. It highlights the role of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and its backing by various U.S. administrations and organizations like the Enough Project. The article critiques the SPLM's governance, citing corruption and poor decision-making, and questions the effectiveness of U.S. policy and advocacy. It also touches on the influence of celebrities like George Clooney in shaping public perception and policy. The author suggests that the U.S. should reconsider its approach to South Sudan, moving away from moral idealism to address the realities of the situation.

Southern Sudan has unveiled ambitious plans to rebuild its cities in the shapes of animals, aiming to attract global attention and investment. The $10.1 billion project, led by Housing and Physical Planning Ministry undersecretary Daniel Wani, has received mixed reactions. While some see it as a potential boost for the region's development, others criticize it for not addressing more immediate needs like health, education, and infrastructure. The project, which hopes to secure significant private financing, awaits final approval and a $500 million guarantee from the Bank of Southern Sudan.