A New Cold War? Great Powers Compete for Influence in Africa

Rising geopolitical tensions have positioned Africa as a central battleground in what some analysts describe as a "New Cold War," primarily involving the United States, China, and Russia. According to Pádraig Carmody, a geography professor at Trinity College Dublin, the continent's vast natural resources, including key materials for the green transition, have intensified great power rivalries. The ongoing competition has evolved from geo-economic interests to geo-strategic ambitions, with external states seeking to gain influence over Africa's substantial markets and resources. For instance, China has significantly invested in infrastructure projects across the continent, despite recent reductions in foreign direct investment. In contrast, Russia's role has been marked by military cooperation and controversial security arrangements via entities like the Wagner Group. Experts warn that while African nations may attempt to navigate these competing interests to bolster their own sovereignty, the reinforcement of political elites might coincide with democratic backsliding and increased repression of ordinary citizens. This complex interplay of global and local forces underscores a significant shift in international relations impacting Africa's future.

The Taliban government has suspended Radio Begum, a prominent women's radio station in Afghanistan, citing "multiple violations" as the reason for the action. The suspension followed a raid on Tuesday by Taliban intelligence officials, who arrested two male employees and confiscated broadcasting equipment. According to a statement from the station, the Taliban accused it of violating broadcasting policies and allegedly providing content to foreign media outlets. Radio Begum, established on International Women's Day in 2021, focused on programming by and for women, including educational shows and counseling. The Taliban's information ministry explained that the station's activities were improper and warranted suspension while further evaluations take place. Reporters Without Borders condemned the closure and called for the ban to be lifted immediately. This crackdown is part of a broader trend, with at least 12 media outlets shuttered in 2024 alone, as the Taliban impose strict control over the narrative and restrict women's participation in public life, which has drawn international criticism.

Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister, has reportedly fled to the United Arab Emirates following his outspoken support for the reversal of a ban on secondary and higher education for girls in Afghanistan. During a graduation ceremony in Khost province on January 20, Stanikzai criticized the ban, stating, "There is no excuse for this – not now and not in the future," emphasizing the injustice faced by millions of Afghan girls. According to reports, after Stanikzai's remarks and further criticisms of the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, a travel ban was allegedly imposed on him, forcing his departure from Afghanistan. While Stanikzai confirmed his relocation to Dubai, he attributed it to health reasons. The Taliban has yet to comment on the incident. Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, restrictions on women's rights, including access to education and public life, have intensified. Recent actions by international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, have sought to hold Taliban leaders accountable for these human rights violations.