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This is the third edition of the Yearbook on the African Union (YBAU). The YBAU is first and foremost an academic project that provides an in-depth evaluation and analysis of the institution, its processes, and its engagements. Despite the increased agency in recent years of the African Union in general, and the AU Commission in particular, little is known – outside expert policy or niche academic circles – about the Union’s activities. This is the gap the Yearbook on the African Union wants to systematically address. It seeks to be a reference point for in-depth research, evidence-based policy-making and decision-making.

Contributors are Festus Kofi Aubyn, Mandira Bagwandeen, Habibu Yaya Bappah, Bruce Byiers, Annie Barbara Hazviyemurwi Chikwanha, Dawit Yohannes Wondemagegnehu, Linnea Gelot, Cheryl Hendricks, Jens Herpolsheimer, Aïssatou Kanté, Tim Murithi, Edefe Ojomo, Thomas Tieku, Gino Vlavonou, Tim Zajontz.
Politics, Economy and Society South of the Sahara in 2022
The Africa Yearbook covers major domestic political developments, the foreign policy and socio-economic trends in sub-Sahara Africa – all related to developments in one calendar year. The Yearbook contains articles on all sub-Saharan states, each of the four sub-regions (West, Central, Eastern, Southern Africa) focusing on major cross-border developments and sub-regional organizations as well as one article on continental developments and one on African-European relations. While the articles have thorough academic quality, the Yearbook is mainly oriented to the requirements of a large range of target groups: students, politicians, diplomats, administrators, journalists, teachers, practitioners in the field of development aid as well as business people.

Abstract

In 2022 the desired narrative of a renewed partnership between Africa and Europe, as adopted in a February summit of heads of state and government, was disrupted by Russia’s war against Ukraine and its global implications. Notwithstanding challenges in the relationship on areas including Ukraine, the green transition, and vaccine equity, several initiatives in the area of trade and investments sought to deepen cooperation between the EU and African states in an era of considerable international competition. This includes the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as well as its support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership. At the same time, South Africa’s decision to leave the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States showed that the discussion on rationalising the EU’s fragmented institutional frameworks with Africa is far from over.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19
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Abstract

The August elections defined political dynamics, which were marked by a hardening of the political and social climate. Hotly contested, the elections returned the ruling party and President João Lourenço to power with a narrower-than-ever majority, indicating growing dissatisfaction with and distrust in political institutions and their ability to represent the population’s interests. Foreign affairs largely followed the courant normal, and were dominated by economic rather than political considerations. Post-pandemic, the economy nominally recovered. This was largely due to rebounding oil prices, as oil income still dominated government revenues, yet costs of living remained high and living conditions for a majority of people were dire.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19

Abstract

The deteriorating security situation and the upcoming legislative elections in early 2023 dominated domestic politics. President Patrice Talon met with two of his predecessors to discuss issues of national relevance. On the diplomatic front, bilateral and multilateral exchanges between Benin and various countries marked the year. Beninese authorities continually made working visits, received visitors, and took part in international meetings. On the socioeconomic front, the year was essentially characterised by the high cost of living. The launch of the second phase of the Alafia microcredit scheme was an important event. Partnership with France was sought in order to increase tax revenues but was also important in other areas, including the return and exhibiting of art looted or purchased during colonial times.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19

Abstract

Domestic politics was characterised by intra-party and inter-party feuding, and by the ruction between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former president Ian Khama, with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) at the centre of their dispute, giving rise to criticisms that the diss was ‘operating above the law’ and encroaching ‘with impunity’ on the roles of other institutions such as the Botswana Police Service, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB). Corruption, malfeasance, and money laundering, as well as concerns over the independence and integrity of the judiciary, intensified despite President Masisi’s anti-corruption posture and declaration of adherence to the rule of law. The country preserved its foreign policy, characterised by unprecedented out-bound visits. Covid-19 eased, and the economy showed signs of positive economic recovery, yet socioeconomic barriers remained significant.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19
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Abstract

Two military coups threw Burkinabé domestic politics and foreign policy into a tailspin during the year. As a military junta attempted to exert political control over the country, insecurity primarily as a result of a growing militant Islamist insurgency overtook the countryside, hitting civilian communities in the north and east particularly hard. Some 2 m citizens had been displaced from their homes by the end of the year because of the conflict. Regional mediators stepped in to re-establish elected civilian rule, winning public commitments from the leaders of both coups, but with military rule also came speculation that external autocratic influence might supplant ties with Western governments. The worsening security, humanitarian, and socioeconomic situation of Burkina Faso underscored its already precarious and uncertain position, leaving a grim outlook for 2023.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19

Abstract

In a major government reshuffle, President Évariste Ndayishimiye ousted Prime Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, along with several other state officials. The country’s diplomatic relations and international engagement have continued to considerably improve, both on the regional and the global levels. While the lifting of EU sanctions and various grants created economic benefits, spillover effects from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine hit the country’s economy hard, and contributed to high inflation, fuel shortages, and rising food prices. The human rights situation remained worrisome and civil liberties restrained, despite small improvements.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19
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Abstract

When Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva (Mudança para a Democracia, MpD) reshuffled his executive in October, he did not significantly reduce the number of government members as demanded by the opposition to reduce public spending in times of crisis. The government approved several credits for the ailing national airline Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV) to safeguard its existence until its scheduled future reprivatisation. The important tourism sector further recovered from the decline suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Steadily increasing numbers of foreign visitors resulted in rising tourist-related tax revenue.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19
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Abstract

Internal power struggles and financial challenges poisoned the political climate, eclipsing the war that continued to rage in the two Anglophone regions. While affirming the strength of his ties with Russia, President Paul Biya – who this year celebrated his 40th anniversary as head of state – allowed himself to be courted by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who had come to meet him in Yaoundé for the first time. While GDP continued to grow, the population suffered from the ill effects of high inflation.

In: Africa Yearbook Volume 19