GenZedong

Africa is undergoing significant geopolitical changes. From the revolutionary governments of the Sahel to shifting regional alliances in Central and North Africa, the continent’s relationship with Western powers is evolving. Are we witnessing the beginnings of a broader African political transformation?

In this episode of The Simardone Show, Aidan Simardone is joined by journalist David Hundeyin, founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead, for a discussion about African sovereignty, political revolutions and the changing balance of power across the continent.

We begin in Burkina Faso, examining Ibrahim Traoré’s rise to power, the circumstances surrounding the 2022 coup and his government's record after four years in office. We also discuss the challenges facing governments seeking greater political and economic independence from Western influence.

The conversation then turns to major regional developments. Why is Algeria deploying its military to Niger, and what does this mean for security and cooperation in the Sahel? We also examine the US decision to impose sanctions on Rwanda over its involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and what may explain the changing relationship between Washington and Kigali.

Finally, we turn to Sudan’s devastating civil war, the military balance between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and allegations raised by the Sudanese government that Ukraine has been involved in training RSF fighters.

Topics discussed:

• Africa's changing geopolitical landscape
• African sovereignty and political independence
• Ibrahim Traoré and Burkina Faso's revolution
• Four years of Ibrahim Traoré's leadership
• Western influence and intervention in Africa
• Algeria's military deployment to Niger
• Algeria-Niger relations and Sahel security
• US sanctions against Rwanda
• Rwanda and the conflict in eastern Congo
• US-Rwanda relations and changing regional alliances
• Sudan's civil war
• The Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF
• Ukrainian involvement in training RSF fighters
• The future of African independence and Pan-Africanism

David Hundeyin is a journalist and founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead, independent media projects focused on African politics, geopolitics and international affairs.