The Wilson Center Africa Program's special edition of 'Africa: Year in Review 2020' reflects on significant events in Africa and U.S.-Africa relations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, protests, youth activism, Niger's peaceful power transfer, Mali's military coup, the role of sovereign wealth funds in sustainable development, and the use of African knowledge and traditional medicine in health care.

The discussion focuses on the ongoing war in Sudan, highlighting recent battlefield developments, the humanitarian crisis with millions displaced, and the involvement of external powers like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. The Sudanese Armed Forces have made gains against the Rapid Support Forces, but internal dynamics and reliance on Islamist brigades complicate the situation. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or a post-war transition to civilian rule face significant challenges.

Alan Boswell speaks with Alsanosi Adam from Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms about the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by nearly a year of war. They discuss the dire living conditions, challenges in accessing food and medicine, and the critical role of grassroots networks in providing aid. The conversation highlights the looming famine and the importance of maintaining aid access to prevent further deterioration of the crisis. The discussion also touches on the financial transparency of these networks and their potential role in future peace processes.

A possible port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland has significant implications for Somalia, potentially escalating regional tensions. The Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding prompts Hargeisa's motivations and Mogadishu's response, with Somalia's relations with Ethiopia possibly deteriorating, affecting the offensive against Al Shabaab and regional stability. Somalia's diplomatic efforts to oppose the deal and the potential for Ethiopia to seek greater sea access, benefiting both Somalia and Somaliland, are also discussed.

Ethiopia is actively seeking its own seaport, highlighted by a recent controversial deal with Somaliland, which has sparked regional tensions, particularly with Somalia. The discussion also covers Ethiopia's internal crises under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the involvement of external actors like Gulf states. The analysis includes insights from Ethiopia expert Christopher Clapham and Alan Boswell, Project Director for the Horn of Africa.

The article discusses the emergence of innovation precincts that integrate health, education, science, and research to drive economic growth, community development, and sustainable job creation. Highlighting projects like the Westmead Hospital Precinct Redevelopment and the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, research organizations, and corporate partners. These precincts are designed to foster a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy in Australia. The article also references international examples of successful innovation precincts, underscoring the global trend towards creating dynamic ecosystems that support discovery and development.

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has faced relentless conflict since its independence, primarily due to the fallout between President Salva Kiir and Vice President-turned-rebel Riek Machar. The civil war from 2013 to 2018 resulted in up to 400,000 deaths and displaced 4 million people. Despite a fragile 2018 peace deal, the risk of renewed conflict remains high due to ongoing insurgencies, localized violence, and ethno-political tensions. The upcoming presidential election, likely to be delayed, could reignite these tensions. Long-term stability requires a fundamental reset of South Sudan's political system, which currently exacerbates elite tensions.

Sudan's resistance committees, which played a crucial role in the 2019 revolution and subsequent resistance to military rule, are now facing significant challenges due to the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. Many members have fled, while those remaining are dealing with dangers from the conflict and a dire humanitarian situation. The committees are striving to provide essential services and forge a political roadmap amidst the chaos. The discussion also covers their potential role in future peace talks and the transformation into humanitarian first responders.

Almost three months into the war in Sudan, the conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army shows no signs of abating, with Khartoum as the epicenter and West Darfur experiencing a resurgence in ethnic violence. Mediation efforts by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and African leaders have made little progress. The discussion highlights the dire situation in Darfur, the battlefield dynamics in Khartoum, and the potential consequences of a prolonged war.

Steve Seekings has been appointed as the new Regional Manager for Alan Boswell Group's Peterborough and Boston branches. With over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, including roles at Marsh and Aon, Seekings joins from his previous position as Managing Director at Saffron Insurance. Alan Boswell Group, which recently won Insurance Broker of the Year and announced several acquisitions, now has over 400 staff and eight offices. The Peterborough office is celebrating its tenth year of providing insurance and risk management advice.