As 2024 draws to a close, Africa has experienced remarkable shifts in its political sphere, shaped by changes in leadership and strides in regional cooperation. The year has been packed with electoral activity, with 19 countries holding presidential or general elections.

In a historic turn of events, Senegal’s opposition emerged victorious in the presidential election, defeating the candidate backed by outgoing President Macky Sall. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a young and relatively unknown figure from the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity party (PASTEF), is now president-elect. His win represents a major change for Senegal, as he becomes both the country’s youngest president and the youngest currently serving president in Africa.

Southern Africa has also seen its fair share of political milestones. South Africa is preparing for local elections in 2025, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) undergoing pressure from opposition parties. After maintaining dominance since independence, the ANC has faced a steady decline in support, dropping from 70% of the vote in 2004 to 57.5% in 2019. Botswana witnessed a peaceful transfer of power after the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost its first election since independence in 1966. Namibia also made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, with 57.31% of the vote.

In Mozambique, unrest has gripped the nation following its October 2024 elections, where the ruling Frelimo party retained power amid allegations of widespread fraud. Public anger over corruption and claims of vote-rigging have led to violent protests, leaving many people dead and disrupting trade routes with South Africa. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has rejected compromise deals, demanding structural reforms instead. The turmoil has raised fears of regional instability, with mounting pressure on the government from both domestic and international actors to restore order and ensure fair governance. Neighboring countries, including South Africa, and international organizations have called for calm and urged the Mozambican government to address citizens’ grievances. Efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution are underway, though deep-seated frustration over governance challenges and corruption persists.

In East Africa, Comoros President Azali Assoumani secured a controversial fourth term, sparking boycotts by opposition groups. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is seeking re-election for a fourth term, with critics raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. South Sudan, still navigating post-conflict recovery, is preparing for its own elections, as international bodies call for a peaceful and credible process.

West Africa has also been a focus of political activity. Ghana’s elections were momentous, with John Dramani Mahama securing a landslide victory as president-elect. However, Mali’s military junta postponed elections, raising fears over the nation’s democratic progress. In Nigeria, the aftermath of a disputed presidential election continues to stir debate, as the country works to rebuild trust in its electoral system.

In North Africa, the Egyptian government has tightened its control, with opposition parties facing restrictions and arrests. Libya remains locked in political instability, as rival factions struggle for control. Amid growing public dissatisfaction, Tunisia’s economic challenges are compounded by rising unemployment and inflation, straining the government’s ability to deliver services. The country also faces international scrutiny over its human rights record.

This year also brought changes in regional leadership. Zimbabwe assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with President Emmerson Mnangagwa taking over from Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera. In West Africa, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló took over leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The East African Community (EAC) expanded its membership, welcoming the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as its seventh member state. Meanwhile, South Africa assumed the G20 chairmanship from Brazil, highlighting a pivotal moment for African representation in global economic governance, offering the continent a stronger platform to advocate for its development priorities.

As the year ends, Africa’s political story remains one of resilience and change, driven by its people’s determination to shape their future. Despite ongoing challenges, the continent continues to prioritize regional unity and the pursuit of democratic ideals.

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