In the final edition of the Monitor for 2025, Cedric de Coning writes about the importance of Africa developing its own geopolitical strategy. As the world divides itself into spheres of influence, it is important for Africa to develop its own approach and strategy to best represent itself and its interests, especially in light of current global shifts in international relations.
This is followed by an article from Keenan B. Govender who reflects on the recent coup d’état in Madagascar. His article discusses theories of leadership and the shortcomings of Madagascar’s leaders that led to the recent coup. Madagascar’s former president, Andry Rajoelina, lost power in the same manner that he gained it, which was through a coup. Rajoelina failed to maintain the legitimacy of his presidency, which ultimately led to history repeating itself.
Shaun Kinnes writes about the nexus between climate change and organised crime. While climate change does not cause organised crime, nor does organised crime cause climate change, the effects of climate change shape the conditions that make societies more vulnerable to organised crime.
Finally, Katharine Bebington reviews the past year’s most significant peace and security related events in Africa. Her article covers the elections that took place, the coups d’état, the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the continent and the impact that shifts in geopolitics have had in Africa in 2025.
