Simon Allison
latest news & developments
US-Iran crisis raises global tensions
EXPLAINER: What’s happening in the Middle East — and what does it mean for Africa?
Al-Shabab sends ‘a message’ to US with Kenya attack
The deadly attack on Camp Simba comes in response to a dramatic escalation in US drone strikes against the Islamist militant group
“You are too young to mock the government”: Zimbabwean comedian relives her abduction
Samantha Kureya, aka Gonyeti, did not quite understand the power of her jokes — until she was abducted and tortured for them
Mbeki on SA’s foreign policy failures
The former president has laid out to a to-do list for the department of international relations
The enduring appeal of liberation movements
Liberation movements attracted more than half of the popular vote in their most recent parliamentary elections in many African countries
The Ford Ranger XLT: A tough car for tough guys
It’s tough, capable and ready to work for you … if you can fit it into a parking space, that is
Mbeki on South Africa’s foreign policy shortcomings — and his brush with neo-Nazis
The former president says that South Africa needs clearer foreign policy positions on a range of continental and global issues
AKA, Burna Boy and the African unity concert that wasn’t
The two musicians once billed themselves as pan-African pin-ups. What does their ugly spat say about the state of continental unity?
‘Our cameras will make you safe’
Huawei’s pitch to African mayors ignores concerns that its Smart Cities technology can be abused
Maimane’s next move: starting the ‘Uber’ of politics
“Unemployed” former DA leader announces return to politics at Oppenheimer-backed conference
The trouble with indiscriminate tree-planting in Africa
Planting trees in Africa is proposed by some as a quick fix for climate change. But local experts disagree — and say their voices are being sidelined
Russia in Africa: Soft power comes with hard edges
Amid diplomatic niceties at the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi, Moscow has sent two of its nuclear-capable bombers to Waterkloof
Refugees in Greece face rising hostility
A new government is getting ‘tough’ on immigration – but local organisations provide crucial support
Tanzania’s mining dispute ends – but at what cost?
Government’s settlement with Acacia Gold may be a short-term victory that scares off new investors
An arms dealer’s guide to philanthropy
Selling weapons systems to Saudi Arabia is not incompatible with charity work, argues Ivor Ichikowitz