NIAS AFRICA WEEKLY

NIAS AFRICA WEEKLY
Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond

NIAS Africa Team
25 October 2022
Photo Source: The Guardian/Reuters

Africa Weekly #34 & 35, Vol. 1, No. 34 & 35
25 October 2022

IN FOCUS

Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond
The gravity of floods in Nigeria has brought forth a larger problem in West and Central Africa, comprising of climate change and poor urban planning.

By Apoorva Sudhakar

With over 600 deaths and 1.3 million displaced, Nigeria is one of the worst flood-hit countries in West Africa in 2022. On 21 October, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the devastation that impacted 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states, leaving over 200,000 houses destroyed, fully or partially. UNICEF said 60 per cent of Nigerians who required assistance were children prone to waterborne illnesses, drowning and malnourishment.  
 
However, floods are not limited to Nigeria. The World Food Programme outlines that 19 countries in West and Central Africa experienced above-average rainfall in 2022, affecting over five million people. The countries most affected include the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Nigeria, Chad, Sao Tome & Principe, and Sierra Leone. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the situation is worse than in 2021, when flooding affected 1.2 million people across 13 countries in the region, and left around 28 million people food insecure.
 
An overview
According to WFP, around 35,000 people have been affected due to heavy rainfall since July in the Central African Republic. Similarly, in late October, Chad declared a state of emergency after over a million people were affected and croplands destroyed amidst the country’s worst floods in 30 years. The Gambia recorded its highest rainfall at 276mm in August, breaking the previous record of 175.4mm in 1998. Lastly, the scale of the latest floods in Nigeria was similar to the 2012 floods when at least 363 people died as 32 of the 36 states were affected, leaving 2.1 million people internally displaced.
 
Floods in the region, however, are not uncommon. UNESCO’s World Water Development Report 2020 report estimates that Africa witnessed 676 floods from 2001 to 2018, second only to Asia; in the time period, Africa also accounted for the second highest casualties at 13,106 deaths, with 43 million people affected.
 
Three factors: High rainfall, unplanned urbanisation, and inefficient storage structures
First, increased frequency of high rainfall. The Economist outlines that unusually heavy rainfalls have been frequent over the last three decades. Quoting a study by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, it says the heavy rains can be attributed to deforestation along the coasts of West Africa; the study observed that the number of afternoon rainstorms in the deforested areas had doubled since the 1990s, against the increase by a third in areas that retained forests. In 2021, the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said West and Central Africa could witness heavy precipitation and pluvial flooding as global warming increases.
 
Second, unplanned urbanisation. Similar to any developing country, West African countries have undergone rapid urbanisation without efficient planning and an inadequate drainage system. A study, “Flooding in Nigeria and Ghana: opportunities for partnerships in disaster-risk reduction” published by Taylor & Francis takes the case of the two countries with frequent flooding. The study observed that rapid urbanisation and expansion of cities has led to shrinking vegetative cover that acted as an absorbent for water. Further, the region is home to informal settlements with poorly built and mostly open drains incapable of containing rainwater, thereby leading to frequent flooding.
 
Third, inefficient storage structures. Several dams in West Africa are unable to contain the increasing rainfall over the last few years, leading to flooding of homes in the locality. For example, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the current flooding was worsened by the release of water from its own Kainji and Jebba dams and Cameroon’s Lagdo dam. The World Economic Forum opined that despite the necessity to have a buffer dam in Nigeria since Lagdo’s completion in 1982, the country does not have one, thereby making it difficult to prevent the flow of excess water. Similarly, in Ghana, spillage from the Weijja dam led to the displacement of over a thousand people in the capital city in 2022.
 
In perspective
First, concerns over food security. ABC News quoted the national president of Nigeria’s local farmers associations saying several farmers had lost at least 75 per cent of what they sowed this year to the floods. Farmlands have been destroyed in Cameroon and Niger as well, thereby raising concerns over food security; slow recovery from the economic slowdown post COVID-19 also complicates the process.
 
Second, Nigeria’s crises. The floods and the resultant displacement add to the challenge of displacement prevalent in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions. The displacement from flooding adds to the number of people already displaced due to conflict and violent extremism by armed groups and terrorist organisations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
 
Third, lack of regional mitigation measures. The ongoing floods over the past couple of months has brought to light the lack of or minimal regional efforts to mitigate the impacts. For example, despite Cameroon planning the release of excess water earlier, Nigeria was unable to cope with the impact, thereby signalling a lack of coordination and capacity between the two countries. UNESCO believes an early warning system for the region would assist the region.
 
Fourth, the impact of climate change. Despite being some of the least contributors to climate change, African countries bear the brunt of it. Further, the entire Sahel belt passing through some of the critically impacted countries is termed one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change; resource conflicts and displacement due to climate change is a common occurrence here.
 
Fifth, Africa’s two extremes. On the one hand, West and Central Africa are experiencing irreparable damage due to floods. On the other hand, East Africa is going through one of the worst droughts in decades, leaving millions at risk of death by starvation, especially in Somalia and Ethiopia.


AFRICA IN BRIEF
11 October – 25 October 
By Anu Maria Joseph and Apoorva Sudhakar

ETHIOPIA
Government forces enters Tigray
On 18 October, the Ethiopian government said that the military had taken control of three towns from TPLF rebel forces in Tigray. The government statement said: “The ENDF (Ethiopian National Defence Force) has taken control of the towns of Shire, Alamata and Korem without fighting in urban areas.” Earlier, the Tigrayan rebel forces said that the government forces and their allies had entered Tigray's Shire city, adding that they continue to engage in a “life and death struggle.” The Tigrayan authorities said: “If we don't defend ourselves against our enemies, they will continue the atrocities.” (“Ethiopian army captures several towns in war-torn Tigray,” Al Jazeera, 18 October 2022)
 
SOMALIA
Nine killed in attack in Kismayo
On 23 October, nine civilians were killed and 47 injured in an attack in Kismayo city in southern Somalia. The security minister for Jubbaland said the security forces killed three gunmen and the fourth attacker died in a bomb blast. The attack was claimed by al Shabab; the group’s military operation spokesperson said they intended to target the Jubbaland administrators working at the hotel. (“Attack on hotel in Somalia’s Kismayo ends with 9 civilians dead,” Al Jazeera, 23 October 2022)
 
CHAD
Military leader appoints former opposition leader as PM
On 12 October, President General Mahamat Deby appointed former opposition figure Saleh Kebzabo as the prime minister. Kebzabo defended his decision to accept the appointment and said he believes that Deby is "a young man who believes in democracy." Kebzabo was a strong opponent to Gen Deby’s father and former president Idriss Deby. The latest development comes after Deby was sworn in as the president on 10 October, on a promise to establish civilian rule in Chad, when the national dialogue approved a 24-month political transition instead of the 18-month transition scheduled to end in October 2022. (“Chad's Deby taps ex-opposition figure Saleh Kebzabo to head interim cabinet,” France24, 12 October 2022)

Dozens killed in protests against extension of transition
On 20 October, at least 50 people protesting against the extension of the transition period and calling for democracy were killed after security forces opened fire on them in Ndjamena and Moundou cities. The opposition claims the figure could be higher at 70 casualties. The protests General Mahamat Deby was sworn in as the president to stay in power until 2024; he was also declared eligible to contest for the elections scheduled for 2024. The appointment of Saleh Kebzabo as his Prime Minister, previously a strong presidential opponent, angered the opposition parties and civil society, thereby leading to protests. ("Dozens of protesters killed in Chad. What happened?," Al Jazeera, 21 October 2022)
 
SOUTH SUDAN
Dozens killed in communal violence in Warrap
On 11 October, the Warrap State’s lawmaker said at least 25 people had been killed in clashes between two neighbouring communities over a disputed border in the north. The lawmaker said violence began when youth from the Twic community attacked people from the neighbouring Abyei town; 15 people from the Twic community and 12 people, including women and a child, died from the Abyei side. Both sides accuse each other of encroachment along the border. (Waakhe Simon Wudu, “At least 25 people killed in South Sudan communal land violence,” Reuters, 12 October 2022)
 
SUDAN
Nine prisoners of war handed over by rebel group
On 13 October, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) handed over nine prisoners of war to Sudan’s ambassador in South Sudan. The ambassador said South Sudan had welcomed the development.  The SLPM-N General Secretary said the nine prisoners, captured in September after clashes in South Sudan’s Kordofan province, were being released on humanitarian grounds. The SPLM-N leader said: “As individuals we don't have problems with them but we have problems with the government.” (Waakhe Simon Wudu, “Sudan rebels hand over prisoners of war, boosting ongoing talks,” Reuters, 13 October 2022)
 
Protests erupt after ethnic clash claims 200 lives
On 23 October, thousands protested in front of the army headquarters against the ethnic clashes that claimed 200 lives in Blue Nile state in the previous week. The violence allegedly erupted over land disputes between Hausa people and rival communities. On 21 October, the state governor declared a state of emergency to suppress the violence and subsequent protests wherein the protesters demanded the governor to step down. According to the UN, around 600 people have been killed in intercommunal violence since January 2022. (“Thousands take to the streets in Sudan following deadly tribal clashes,” France24, 23 October 2022)
 
MALI
At least 11 killed in bus blast
On 14 October, BBC reported at least 11 people were killed in central Mali in a bus blast. Jihadist insurgency in the country has left thousands dead and forced thousands to leave their homes. The UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said that mines and explosive devices had killed more than twenty by the end of August 2022. (“At least 11 killed in Mali bus blast,” BBC, 14 October 2022)
 

Four UN peacekeepers die in attack in the north
On 18 October, the UN mission in Mali said the death toll of peacekeepers from an attack in Kidai region had risen to four on 17 October. Prior to the fourth peacekeeper’s death, three died on the day of the attack and three were injured after their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. ("Death toll rises to four U.N. peacekeepers killed in Mali attack," Reuters, 18 October 2022)
 
BURKINA FASO
Coup leader to become interim president
On 14 October, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who led the latest coup in Burkina Faso was named as the country's interim president until elections in July 2024. However, a national forum said that the leader would not be allowed to contest in the polls. Traoré seized power two weeks ago from Lt General Paul Henri Damiba, who led a coup in January accusing the authorities of failing to deal with Islamist insurgency. (“Burkina Faso coup leader to become interim president,” BBC, 14 October 2022)
 
GUINEA
Military agrees to two-year transition to civilian rule
On 21 October, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said Guinea’s military government had agreed to return to civilian rule in 24 months. The ECOWAS statement said a 24-month timetable had been framed in cooperation with Guinea; military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya said the timetable would come to effect from 1 January 2023, after the ECOWAS approves a final draft later in 2022. Prior to the ECOWAS announcement, four people were killed in clashes between young protesters, calling for a quick transition, and security forces in capital city Conakry on 20 October. (“Guinea junta agrees return to civilian rule in two years,” France24, 23 October 2022)
 
REGIONAL
Hundreds could die of hunger, says Oxfam
On 14 October, Oxfam said that one person is likely to die every 36 seconds till the end of 2022 in the Horn of Africa in ravaging drought. Major East African countries including Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are going through a fifth failed rainy season. Millions of people are leaving the rural areas for makeshift camps near towns. The agency said that the number of people facing acute hunger in Somalia is more than the number of people affected by famine in 2011. (“Hundreds could die every day in Somalia from hunger - OxfamBBC, 14 October 2022)
 
INTERNATIONAL
26 African countries support UN resolution against Russia
On 13 October, BBC reported 26 African countries voted in favour of a UN resolution rejecting Russia’s referendum on four Ukrainian territories that Moscow declared a part of Russia and 19 countries abstained. Among those who abstained was Eritrea which had previously rejected a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In July 2022, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had visited three countries which abstained - Republic of Congo, Uganda and Ethiopia. (“African countries divided over UN vote against Russia,” Africanews, 13 October 2022)
 
UNSC and AUPSC hold 16th annual consultative meeting
On 16 October, ReliefWeb published the joint communique of the Sixteenth (16th) Annual Joint Consultative Meeting of the Members of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council held on 14 October. The members reiterated the UNSC's responsibility to ensure peace and security in Africa, in line with the UN Charter and the AUPSC's duty to promote peace, security and stability in the continent. The two sides assessed the situation in West Africa and the Sahel and the Great Lakes Region. They expressed concern over the following: terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel; the prevalent sexual violence in conflict and attacks against the UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic; and "protracted insecurity and humanitarian crisis" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's east. They also observed that despite Africa's minimal contribution to climate change, it is extremely vulnerable to the latter's impacts and extreme weather patterns. (“Sixteenth (16th) Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between Members of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, New York, 14th October 2022,” African Union, 16 October 2022)
 
US blacklists alleged Somali funders of militants
On 18 October, the US blacklisted multiple individuals in Somalia accusing them of providing financial and material assistance to al Shabab. Meanwhile, earlier Somali authorities had warned businesses in the capital, Mogadishu against paying taxes to al Qaeda affiliates. The previous week, the information ministry had suspended dozens of social media accounts and pages for publishing al-Shabaab propaganda. (“US blacklists alleged funders of Somali militants,” BBC, 18 October 2022)


About the authors
Apoorva Sudhakar is a Research Associate at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. Anu Maria Joseph is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

August 2026 | CWA # 2239

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine:
Continuing deep strikes, escalating civilian targeting, and expanding drone warfare
August 2026 | CWA # 2236
CW Newsmakers
Sheikh Hasina, Settler Violence in West Bank, Heat Waves in Northeast Asia...
August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments
August 2026 | CWA # 2233

Teshu Singh

East Asia (Apr-Jun 2026):
Strategic Rebalancing, Neo-Militarisation and Increasing Tensions in Taiwan Straits
August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar 

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
The 'Right' Electoral Tilt, Upswing in Venezuela-India relations, and Argentina's Energy Rise
August 2026 | CWA # 2231

Dhivya KM

China's economy at mid-2026:
Six Takeaways of the World Bank China Economic Update
August 2026 | CWA # 2225

Acsah H

China moves from near-total reliance on foreign jets to domestic dominance. How did it happen? And what does it mean?
August 2026 | CWA # 2224

Global Politics Team

Zelenskyy's US visit
Newsmakers of the week
August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit
US Senate bill against Russia | Ukraine and Patriot missiles | China's PLA 99th anniversary
July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar

The Berlin Pride attack
Zelensky's US Visit I Japan's Earthquake
July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula

The Houthis:
Origins, Ethnic makeup, Political structure, Geographical footprint and External support
July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week 22:
End of pause, Return of hostilities and Expanding conflict geography
July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:
Recurring Patterns, Gaps in the AI safety rules and the AI rivalry
July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar

ASEAN Regional Forum:
Six Takeaways on Issues, Limitations and Opportunities
July 2026 | CWA # 2206

Akshath Kaimal

The resurgence of Somali piracy:
Sophisticated tactics, Regional instability and an Ineffective international response
July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah

US-Iran War, Week 21:
Resumption of attacks and the Strait of Hormuz impasse
July 2026 | CWA # 2199

Preetha Renganarayanan

The SDG Annual Report 2026:
Six takeaways on a decade of SDG monitoring, global progress, and key challenges
July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran War, Week 20:
Renewed Strikes, Collapsed MoU and the Blockade of the Strait
July 2026 | CWA # 2196

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal (Apr-Jun 2026):
New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery
June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation
July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:
Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine
July 2026 | CWA # 2182

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa This Week
JNIM-FLA coordinated attacks in Mali and the RSF siege in Sudan
July 2026 | CWA # 2181

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine:
Deep strikes, NATO diplomacy and the Expanding air warfare
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Iran after Ali Khamenei
Institutional resilience, Anti-American sentiment and an Unresolved conflict
July 2026 | CWA # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran negotiations:
Tenuous Ceasefire, Renewed Threats and the Contest over the Strait of Hormuz 
June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr-Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2168

Adarsh Vijay

High-Level Visits, Sideline Diplomacy and Upgrading Ties
June 2026 | CWA # 2166

Ramya B

Russia (April-June 2026)
Unsuccessful Offensive, Drone Attacks and Economic Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2165

Himani Pant

Europe (April-June 2026)
End of the Orban Era, Political Fragmentation, Tightening of Migration Rules and Continuing Economic Slowdown
June 2026 | CWA # 2160

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Crimea Campaign, The Belarus Standoff, and Russia's Aerial Bombardment
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran MoU
Renewed strikes, Persistent disagreements, and a Fragile Agreement
June 2026 | CWA # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026
President Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit I Myanmar President’s China visit
June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026
Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran
June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

The US-Iran MoU
The War in Ukraine I Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa I Ultra Orthodox Jews' protests in Israel
June 2026 | CWA # 2150

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The War in Ukraine:
Massive drone attacks, Europe's support for Ukraine, and a Distant ceasefire
June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

Myanmar and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Legal repression, Institutional collapse, Violence, and Digital control 
June 2026 | CWA # 2144

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Digital security laws, Political polarisation, Journalist safety, and Media vulnerability 
June 2026 | CWA # 2143

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

Sri Lanka and Press Freedom:
Five Takeaways on Political influence, Legal mechanisms to control, Ethnic sensitivities and History of State intimidation
June 2026 | CWA # 2142

Glynnis Winona B

Bhutan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on Regulatory control, Economic fragility, and Social constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2141

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Maldives and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on the influence of democracy, legislation, and state funding
June 2026 | CWA # 2140

Nithin V

Pakistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways Military influence, cyber laws, political instability, and youth-driven digital journalism
June 2026 | CWA # 2139

Siddhi Halyur

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on political control, religious restrictions and economic vulnerabilities 
June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
Does this leave Jeff Bezos grounded, Elon Musk unchallenged, and NASA’s lunar timeline in jeopardy?
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 
Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwanda’s claims? What was Rwanda’s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?
June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:
The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts
May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:
China's Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:
The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability
May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:
Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses
May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East
The US-Iran War Week Thirteen: Escalating Hostilities, Tenuous Ceasefire and Tense Negotiations
May 2026 | CWA # 2119

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit
Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B

What makes the UAE a global player?
Explaining the Governance, Economy, People, and Strategic Influence of a Small Middle Eastern State
May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and the US-Iran War:
Rising oil imports, Austerity measures and State capacity
May 2026 | CWA # 2111

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Trump-Xi Summit
The Africa Forward Summit 2026 I North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026
May 2026 | CWA # 2110

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten
CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
May 2026 | CWA # 2089

Global Politics Team

King Charles's US Visit
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure
May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
April 2026 | CWA # 2080

Global Politics Team

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2070

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War I Conflicts in Africa I The War in Ukraine I China-Japan Tensions I Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach
April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis 

China-Japan Tensions
Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling
April 2026 | CWA # 2067

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
April 2026 | CWA # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
April 2026 | CWA # 2057

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime's Consolidation Game
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
April 2026 | CWA # 2053

Anand V

The "Two Sessions," Recalibrated growth targets, Technology prioritization, and Military purges
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

Five Takeaways of the US Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Report for 2026
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting
Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?
March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2017

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

Resetting Economic, Strategic and Cultural Ties
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement
March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
March 2026 | CWA # 2002

Femy Francis

Reducing trade deficit and recalibrating economic cooperation with Beijing
March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

Six major takeaways on the economy, border and internal security and Iran
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
March 2026 | CWA # 1991

Global Politics Team

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

Focus on Trade, Defense, Energy and Regional Connectivity
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?
February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

Ten Takeaways of a SCMP Interview with a former PLA Colonel
December 2025 | CWA # 1861

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta