Africa Navigates Change Amid Culture Wars and Growth

Africa is undergoing significant cultural, political, and ideological changes, with debates over protest music and historical memory spurred by figures like Julius Malema, and renewed attention to past Western-backed coups that undermined leaders such as Thomas Sankara. The continent's creative sectors are gaining international recognition through events like the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, which showcases Botswana's contemporary art scene. Geopolitically, South Africa is diversifying its alliances to reduce dependency on any single global partner. Conservative Christian activism, frequently backed by Western organizations, is driving the implementation of stricter laws on sexuality and gender, intensifying culture wars across Africa. These shifts reflect the continent's complex balance between maintaining traditions and embracing transformation. The evolving landscape highlights Africa's efforts to assert and redefine its identity amid internal and external pressures.